Can You Go to the Dentist When Pregnant?
When you are pregnant, you may ask many questions about what is safe for you and your baby. One such question that pregnant women often have is whether it is safe to visit the dentist. After all, dental appointments involve x-rays, cleaning, and potentially even fillings or other treatments.
Dental care is crucial during pregnancy—your body is undergoing changes that can affect your mouth and oral health. Keeping your mouth and body healthy during pregnancy can help make the journey more enjoyable.
Can You Get Dental Care During Pregnancy?
It’s safe to go to the dentist while you are pregnant, and it’s essential to take care of your dental health during pregnancy, as your oral health can affect your overall health and even your baby’s health.
What Procedures Are Safe During Pregnancy?
You may want to put off cosmetic procedures until after the birth, but many routine treatments are safe during pregnancy, including:
- Cavity fillings
- Crowns
- Root canals
- Extractions
Some pregnant patients are concerned about numbing medications or anesthesia. However, your dentist won’t use excessive local anesthesia. Dental work can be done at any stage in your pregnancy, but you may be more comfortable after the nausea and vomiting pass and your gag reflex becomes less sensitive.
X-rays are also a cause of concern for some patients, but the radiation is minimal, and it’s considered safe during pregnancy. However, talk to your dentist if you want to wait to update your X-rays until after you’ve delivered the baby.
Before any dental procedure, notify your dentist that you are pregnant and discuss your concerns with your dental team.
Why Is Dental Care During Pregnancy Important?
As an expectant mother, you take great care to try and eat only healthy food, exercise regularly, and have regular prenatal visits with your OB/GYN. One aspect that often gets overlooked during pregnancy is dental care, but there are a host of reasons you shouldn’t delay your 6-month cleaning and check-up.
Pregnancy & Gum Disease
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Increasing progesterone can create the perfect environment for bacteria to build plaque.
Pregnant women may notice symptoms including:
- Swollen, puffy gums
- Gum tenderness
- Receding gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red gums
- Bad breath
This condition affects up to 75% of pregnant people and can lead to serious dental problems, including tooth decay and even tooth loss. Therefore, regular dental check-ups during pregnancy can help your dentist detect and treat any dental issues before they become serious problems.
Gum disease during pregnancy has also been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Studies show that pregnant women with gum disease are up to 7 times more likely to have a premature baby.
Regular dental exams and cleanings can help prevent gum disease and lower the risk of premature birth.
Morning Sickness & Oral Health
Pregnancy can cause morning sickness, which can lead to vomiting and acid reflux. The acid in the vomit can erode your tooth enamel, the protective solid layer on the teeth’s surface.
This can lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities, and tooth decay. To reduce the risk of tooth decay, you should:
- Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting
- Avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes to allow the enamel to re-harden.
- Consider using a fluoride mouthwash or toothpaste to help strengthen your teeth
Pregnancy Diet & Dental Health
Behavioural changes during pregnancy can alter your diet, and pregnancy cravings may not be the healthiest. Sugars, salt, carbohydrates, and saturated fats can harm your oral health, so choosing the proper meals and snacks is critical.
The Canada Food Guide provides recommendations for variety in your diet and reaching your daily intake of vitamins and nutrients.
How to Support a Healthy Smile During Pregnancy
To avoid pregnancy gingivitis, tooth decay, and poor oral health, you should maintain good habits throughout your pregnancy:
- Maintain your dentist appointment
- Rinse your mouth with salt water
- Brush and floss
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
Your Oral Health Is Vital to You & Your Baby
Dental care during pregnancy is crucial to maintaining good oral health and preventing serious dental problems. By taking care of your dental health, you’ll not only promote a healthy pregnancy but also support a healthy future for you and your baby.
Make an appointment at South Bolton Dental to discuss any concerns about your dental health during pregnancy, and let our dedicated team provide you with a comfortable dental experience.
