New expectant mothers often ask if it’s safe to see the dentist while they’re pregnant. The short answer is yes, you should definitely continue receiving proper dental care during pregnancy.
The more detailed answer is this: Pregnancy causes your progesterone and estrogen levels to rise, which can aggravate your gums and lead to swelling and bleeding.
If left untreated, this irritation can result in a host of oral problems, including loose teeth and gum disease. Maternal gum disease, according to multiple studies, increases the chances of premature labor and low-birth-weight infants.
Ensuring that your gums and teeth stay healthy while you’re pregnant, therefore, means ensuring your baby’s health, so it’s important to keep seeing your dentist until and after you give birth.
Rod W. Gore DDS, a trusted family dentist in Scottsdale, shares the following pregnancy dental care tips for expectant mothers.
Dental Procedures for Pregnant Women
Dentists encourage soon-to-be moms to keep up with their dental cleanings throughout their pregnancy. You need these preventive procedures to keep your gums healthy and keep infections and diseases at bay. Just make sure to let your dentist know that you’re pregnant, so they can take the proper precautions when you go to your appointment.
Unlike dental cleanings, routine x-rays taken during annual exams can be postponed until after you give birth. But you have nothing to worry about if you do need to have an x-ray done for a dental procedure, like an extraction. The American College of Radiology says that a single x-ray doesn’t have a high enough radiation dose to harm your growing baby.
Most dental procedures, such as tooth extractions and fillings, are also safe for pregnant women. Dentists encourage you to have them done as soon as you can, especially if the problem tooth’s causing you pain or affecting your diet.
Many pregnant women, however, are hesitant to have a tooth extracted because they’re worried that the anesthesia will affect their baby. You don’t have to worry, though, because dentists will use pregnancy-safe anesthetics, such as local anesthesia, for expectant mothers.
If you’re undergoing any necessary dental work, the American Pregnancy Association recommends having them done during the second trimester. The baby’s condition during the first and third trimesters is too delicate for anything too taxing so it’s best to be cautious.
When it comes to elective dental procedures like teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments, you’ll have to wait until after your baby is born.
Pregnancy and Oral Health: Routine Tips
Supplement your regular dental cleanings with proper oral care at home. This means brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and flossing every day.
If you struggle with morning sickness, you need to pay extra attention to your teeth because the acid from your stomach is strong enough to contribute to enamel erosion. After vomiting, rinse your mouth with a baking soda and water mixture to neutralize the acid in your mouth.
Moreover, refrain from brushing your teeth after every morning sickness episode because overbrushing can damage the enamel.
You also want to watch what you eat. Avoid sugary food items because sugar is the number one cause of tooth decay and plaque. Instead, go for healthy snacks like yogurt, cheese, fruits, and other food items that aid in your baby’s development.
The bottom line is that when you’re pregnant, your oral health is just as important as other aspects of your well-being. Continue going to your dentist appointments to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy throughout your pregnancy. Make sure to go to a dentist with ample experience in treating pregnant patients.
Trusted Family Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ
Rod W. Gore, DDS offers general and restorative dental care for the entire family, including soon-to-be mothers. Our experienced and knowledgeable team serves patients of all ages, making sure you receive the dental care you need at whatever stage you are in life.
Call 480-585-6225 to schedule an appointment today. For inquiries about dental services for pregnant women, fill out our online form.