Pregnancy is a time when most patients are bombarded with advice and information, one of the pieces of information we find they are not given is about visiting the dentist during pregnancy.
When you are pregnant there is a huge list of doctor appointments, hospital tours and ante-natal clinics… It’s easy to forget a trip to the dentist or even put it off thinking there might be a reason to not visit or avoid all together.
The advice is to not avoid the dentist during pregnancy, but carry on as normal.
If you find yourself at the dentist during pregnancy, don’t worry, it is completely safe for you and your baby to have a dental check-up, dental cleaning, and any necessary treatment. Teeth cleaning, necessary X-rays, pain medication, and local anaesthesia – are all safe throughout pregnancy.
Can a pregnant woman have a local anaesthetic?
Yes, anaesthetic can be used safely to numb the areas around a tooth for a dental procedure. We will choose an aesthetic that is suitable for pregnant women.
Can pregnant women have a tooth removal?
Yes, although having a tooth removed should always be a last resort and only needed when all other dental procedures have failed to stop the rot or the risk of infection, it is possible at any time during pregnancy to have a tooth removed.
Can pregnant women undergo orthodontic treatment?
Yes, teeth straightening can take between 6 to 24 months so many women overlap the straightening process with their pregnancy.
Can pregnant women have X-Rays?
Yes, Modern dental x-rays produce very low doses of radiation, but only if necessary and not in the first trimester.. A single dose is not high enough to cause any adverse effects to baby during pregnancy. Tthe exposure from a dental x-ray is equal to the same you’d receive on a 1-2 hour flight or a day of background radiation.
If you are planning on falling pregnant then having a good oral hygiene and fixing any potential issues before you fall pregnant is ideal.
Common dental issues pregnant women face:
Pregnancy Gingivitis – hormonal changes can cause gums to bleed, become inflamed and cause them to swell and become tender.
Tooth Decay – Pregnant women may be at an increased risk of tooth decay.
- The outer layers of your teeth are exposed to acid due to Morning sickness.
- A change in diet to higher carbohydrates and sugary foods can cause decay.
- A touchy gag reflex, sore gums, and exhaustion may contribute to an irregular brushing and flossing routine.
Whether you are expecting or not you should:
- Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day
- Floss once a day.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove the hardened build-up of calculus every 6 months.
Be sure to let the team at Vitality Dental know if you’re pregnant, we will make sure you are comfortable and provide you with the best care and advice.
