A atenção odontológica à gestante: uma revisão de literatura

Abstract

The oral health should be among the actions and orientations of prenatal care. In order to qualify the knowledge of the oral health team of the Lagoa Health Center, District of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, about dental treatment for pregnant women, a literature review on the subject was carried out. The following databases were used in the research: LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SciELO, in addition to programs and protocols of the Ministry of Health, Minas Gerais Health Department and the Municipality of Belo Horizonte. The survey was done over a five-year period, from 2005 to 2011, and 21 itens were found. The oral health is standardized within the programs and protocols designed for pregnant women. The increased level of certain hormones during pregnancy promotes changes in the body and in the habits of pregnant women, making them more vulnerable to caries and periodontal diseases. Many pregnant women report that the access is difficult or that they are afraid of dental treatment due to beliefs and also by the refusal of the professional to assist them by not being aware that there is no inadvisability to their treatment. On most occasions pregnant women seek dental treatment only in case of pain. The activities of a multidisciplinary health care team are essential to promote the oral health for pregnant women.