Are Dental Visits Safe During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a wonderful time in life that is filled with many questions. "Are dental visits safe during pregnancy" is one of those questions you need answered.
Thankfully, we've got plenty of information to help you navigate this tricky time with care, helping you prepare for the brightest, happiest day of your life.
Is Dental Work Safe During Pregnancy?
Dental treatments during pregnancy are safe and highly recommended. They help to reduce the risk pregnant women have for tooth decay, gingivitis, and other conditions that become more prevalent during pregnancy, thanks to dietary habit changes and hormonal changes.
Can I Have a Teeth Cleaning While Pregnant?
You absolutely can and should have your teeth cleaned during pregnancy. In fact, some dentists recommend having more frequent cleanings during pregnancy because many women are at higher risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and other problems created by poor oral hygiene and hormonal changes in the body.
Dental Care is Especially Important During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes which affect your oral health. The hormonal changes, for example, affect your mouth by putting you at higher risk for gum disease and dry mouth.
If you find you have a difficult time brushing with a normal toothbrush because of a heightened gag reflex, try using a smaller toothbrush or choosing a different flavor toothpaste.
What Should I Know about X-Rays and Pregnancy?
Thankfully, due to modern technology and the wonderful advancements in dental and medical sciences, X-rays during pregnancy are no longer the scary thing they were in the past. There is very little risk for the baby during an X-ray.
You should always let your dentist or dental hygienist know that you are pregnant before getting X-rays. You should have a shield for your pelvis and abdominal area for the X-ray.
If I Need Anesthesia During a Visit, Which Ones Are Safe?
Many local anesthetics are safe for pregnant patients. Lidocaine, mepivacaine, and bupivacaine, for example, are safe and generally will be the recommended options. If your dental provider feels you need something stronger, you should discuss these options with your Ob/Gyn.
What Antibiotics and Pain Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Sometimes you may need an antibiotic or pain reliever post-dental procedure. There are many prescriptions and over the counter options that are safe for pregnant women to take. Make sure that you let your dentist know the over-the-counter and prescription medications you are taking to avoid interactions.
The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are penicillin, amoxicillin, or cephalosporins. These are category B medications that are safe for pregnancy.
If you experience pain, acetaminophen is considered safe for most pregnant women. If you need something stronger, some narcotic drugs like codeine and hydrocodone are considered safe for use during pregnancy as well, and may be prescribed.
We encourage you to use as short a course of medication as possible, however, to reduce any risks associated with longer-term use of opioids.
NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen should be avoided during pregnancy, as should tetracycline antibiotics.
How Can I Eat Right for My Baby and My Teeth?
There are two primary things you can do to eat right for your baby and your teeth during your pregnancy which makes you more prone to certain oral health concerns.
The first is eating a healthy, balanced diet. About three months into your pregnancy, you baby's first teeth begin to develop, so just as you consume dairy or other high calcium-content foods for the bone health and development of your baby, this will help your baby's dental development.
The second thing is avoiding sugary snacks. Many women experience sweet cravings during pregnancy, but these sugary treats are detrimental to your teeth, your baby's health, and your own health overall. Sugary snacks will increase your likelihood of developing tooth decay during pregnancy, as well.
Are There Any Oral Health Risk Factors for Pregnant Women?
As with many other systems of the body, when a woman is pregnant, oral health changes as well. Specifically, pregnant women tend to be more prone to a few conditions than normal.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
As the hormonal changes take place in your body, you become more at risk for inflammation of the gums, which causes swelling and tenderness. This is known as 'pregnancy gingivitis." Your gums may bleed some as well, and, if left untreated, the condition can become a more serious form of gum disease.
Because of this, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings than usual during your pregnancy.
Higher Risk For Tooth Decay
Often, pregnant women eat more carbohydrates, which can cause tooth decay, leading to cavities. Morning sickness may also increase the acid levels that your mouth is exposed to as well, which can also cause decay to your enamel.
To help avoid this, brush and floss at least twice a day, and rinse your mouth at least twice a day with a safe antiseptic mouthwash.
Pregnancy Mouth Tumors
During pregnancy, you may also develop overgrowths of tissue called "pregnancy tumors". These appear on the gums, usually during the second trimester. They are not cancerous, but rather are swelling which often happens between the teeth. It's possible, this could be from excess plaque.
These "tumors" will bleed easily and look red and raw, a bit like raspberries. They usually disappear after your baby is born.
What Do I Need to Tell My Dentist During Pregnancy?
If there is any possibility that you are pregnant, you should let us know, along with how far along you are in the pregnancy.
You should also inform our team of any medications you are taking, any special precautions your physician has recommended, or if your pregnancy is high-risk for any reason.
Please call us at Dentist of West Covina today at (424) 321-7470 to set an appointment to help keep your oral health a priority.