Can You Go To The Dentist While Pregnant?
While dental care is essential, pregnant women are often skeptical of the procedure. They fear pain and discomfort to the growing embryo. So if need be, should they go to the dentist?
According to research, a pregnant woman can experience better pregnancy outcomes and be more comfortable if she receives the proper dental treatment at the right time. Expecting mothers are allowed treatment for periodontitis, amalgams, and x-ray scans.
Though dental procedures are safe, there are in-depth topical questions that you may have about going to the dentist during pregnancy. The blog article will help educate you on whether or not you should visit the dentist, if it is safe for you and if your pregnancy could be at risk.
Why is Dental Care More Important in Pregnancy?
Owing to hormonal fluctuations in their bodies, women are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay during pregnancy. Also, certain medications can increase the risk of dry mouth and periodontal disease.
Not only this, women with poor oral health can have early pregnancies, low birth weight babies, pre-eclampsia, gingival tissue ulcerations, pregnancy granulomas, gingivitis, pregnancy tumors (epulis gravidarum), loose teeth, dry mouth, and tooth erosions.
Dental Problems in Pregnancy
As an expecting mother, you may face a few oral dental health issues, some exclusive to this phase of your life.
Cavities
Extra carbohydrate consumption can contribute to the risk of tooth decay. Also, vomiting due to morning sickness may increase the acid in your mouth, eroding your tooth enamel.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnancy gingivitis is a gum inflammation that can make the gums swollen and painful. Occasionally bleeding gums can also be experienced when you brush or floss.
Gingivitis can spread and develop into more dangerous types of gum disease if it is not addressed. To avoid this, your dentist may advise scheduling cleanings more frequently.
Pregnancy tumors
Gum overgrowths, known as “pregnancy tumors” can develop in some women, most frequently in the second trimester. The most frequent cause of swelling between teeth is just edema, not malignancy.
These tumors could be caused by too much plaque and may bleed. However, even if left untreated, they go away after your baby is born.
Dental Visits During Pregnancy
You should maintain regular checkups and cleanings during your pregnancy, as hormonal changes can swell your gums and make your teeth more sensitive.
Essential procedures such as crowns and fittings should also be undertaken as normal. These prophylactic checkups help ward off the possible chance of infection. Be more cautious because dental problems could contribute to preterm birth.
While getting these done, don’t forget what phase of pregnancy you are in. So, wind up all your dental procedures by the end of the second trimester. In the third trimester, your baby’s size may not allow you to sit comfortably in the dental chair for a long.
However, it doesn’t mean emergency dental visits should be put off. If necessary, get your tooth extractions or root canals fixed, irrespective of the trimester you are in.
But cosmetic procedures are a no-no. For instance, do not consider teeth whitening. Wait for such procedures until birth, or you will expose your little one to harmful rays.
Safe Dental Procedures During Pregnancy
Several normal dental procedures are also safe for pregnant mothers, including:
Tooth extractions
Barring in the first trimester, you can get the problematic tooth removed with local anesthesia. To counter pain, take pain relievers suggested by your dentist after having a consultation with your health professional.
Dental Cleaning
This is the safest dental procedure you can undergo in any trimester. Nevertheless, the second trimester is by far the safest to go for it.
Dental X-rays
Dental x-rays taken early in pregnancy don’t appear to negatively impact the mother or the unborn child. If needed it later on, your dentist will provide you with a lead apron to shield your abdomen.
Dental fillings
As long as non-mercury fillings are used, pregnant women can receive cavity fillings. Dental amalgams, which are used in “silver fillings,” do contain mercury and can pose a slight risk to the unborn child.
Dental anesthesia (local)
When you need to have a tooth extracted, local anesthesia may be fine, but more potent types of anesthesia, such as IV sedation or general anesthesia should be avoided
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies in Pregnancy?
Oral health is essential in pregnancy for the reasons already discussed above. So to prevent them, follow a routine.
- Keep your gums healthy. Brush and floss them regularly to maintain that great smile for your maternity photo.
- When planning a baby, get your routine dental checkup done as soon as possible. This eliminates any underlying problem you may have before you conceive.
- If you experience morning sickness and frequent episodes of vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Pregnancy must-haves such as chewing sugar-free gum are essential. You can also spread some toothpaste on your teeth, and then wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Doing so can prevent tooth erosion.
- Don’t consume sweets (sugary foods) or other snacks with a lot of sugar. Control your pregnancy cravings, as eating these foods will raise your risk of gum disease and dental decay.
- Tell your dentist during your dentist appointment as soon as you become pregnant. They will advise you which elective dental procedures can wait until later and which ones you should do right now. Additionally, they can have specific guidelines or warnings for you.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, visiting dental appointments regularly and having regular checkups during pregnancy is essential. Removing plaque and tartar daily prevents the possibility of gums becoming inflamed. Research has proven that taking care of your teeth can lessen gum inflammation and improve health outcomes in both mother and baby healthy.
References:
- Dental care during pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2694079/
- Oral care in pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6883753/
3. Oral Health During Pregnancy
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2008/0415/p1139.html
4. Local Anesthesia Techniques In Dentistry and Oral Surgery