Dentists will often receive inquiries from pregnant women regarding certain dental procedures during pregnancy. Their main concern is the safety of the treatments, given their physical condition during those 9 months.
Safe treatments during pregnancy
Preventative oral cleaning is not only safe, but also recommended, as pregnancy instigates a heavy increase in hormone levels. This can cause the gums to bleed and swell, which traps food and can lead to irritation. This treatment is also essential to avoid gum disease or oral infections which can have an effect on your baby.
Other dental treatments such as crowns and cavity fillings which reduce infection rates are also relatively safe during pregnancy, too. Many dentists will recommend that the best time for pregnant women to receive treatment is during their second trimester, as many experience difficulty lying on their backs for a while during the third trimester.
It is recommended to postpone cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening until after the birth takes place. However, some emergency dental procedures may be necessary, such as root canal surgery or tooth extractions.
How to avoid risks and problems
Some treatments seem to be safer than others for pregnant women, although there are still risks. The research is still under development, but some studies have shown that certain medications used for dental treatments are not safe for developing babies. Lidocaine, a common dental drug, crosses the placenta after administration.
The amount of anaesthesia used during treatments should also be kept to a minimum, but dentists can administer more if necessary. Additional numbing may be essential to lessen the stress of some mothers during treatment. Antibiotics (category B) that treat infections are relatively safe, too. X-rays have no substantial negative effects on the embryo or foetus.
To avoid complications during pregnancy, women shoul;d always eat a healthy diet and brush their teeth using fluoride toothpaste twice a day, as well as visiting the dentist regularly.
Many pregnant women experience dental problems owing to insufficient calcium intake. Dentists recommend that pregnant women go for regular check-ups at their dentist to ensure their teeth and gums remain in good condition throughout their pregnancy.
There is no need for anyone who is pregnant to suffer from tooth or mouth pain during pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for help when you need it.
