Pregnancy comes with plenty of changes, and your oral health can change along with the rest of your body. Hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive, while morning sickness, changes in eating habits, and other pregnancy-related symptoms can affect your teeth.
If you're expecting a baby, you may also be wondering if it's safe to visit the dentist. The good news is that routine, preventive, diagnostic, and necessary restorative dental care can generally be provided during pregnancy. The American Dental Association and American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists both recognize the importance of maintaining oral health during pregnancy. Here's what you can expect when you visit the dentist while pregnant.
Tell Your Dentist You're Pregnant
One of the first things you should do is let your dental team know that you're pregnant. Tell them how far along you are and provide an updated list of medications and supplements you're taking. This information helps your dentist make appropriate decisions about your dental care, medications, imaging, and any other treatment you may need.
If you're trying to become pregnant or there's a possibility you could be pregnant, it's also worth letting your team at Big River Dental know.
Can I Get a Dental Cleaning While Pregnant?
Yes. Preventive dental care is an important part of maintaining your oral health during pregnancy.
Regular cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar and allow your dental team to monitor your teeth and gums for changes. Pregnancy can increase the likelihood of developing gingivitis, so maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping up with dental visits can be especially important during this time.
Your dentist may also recommend additional care if you're experiencing gum inflammation or another oral health concern.
Can Pregnancy Affect My Gum Health?
It can. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive to plaque, which may lead to redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding. This is often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis.
Good oral hygiene can help. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily. If your gums bleed frequently or become painful or swollen, let your dentist know.
Pregnancy isn't a reason to ignore changes in your mouth. In fact, it's a good reason to stay particularly attentive to your oral health.
What If I Need a Filling or Other Dental Treatment?
Necessary dental treatment generally does not need to wait until after your baby is born. According to the ADA and ACOG, restorative treatment such as fillings, as well as necessary procedures such as root canals and extractions, can be performed during pregnancy when needed. Delaying necessary treatment can allow an oral health problem to become more complicated.
Your dentist will consider your individual circumstances when determining the best timing and approach for treatment.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?
If your dentist determines that an X-ray is needed, dental radiographs can generally be performed during pregnancy with appropriate precautions.
ACOG specifically notes that necessary dental X-rays, along with appropriate shielding of the abdomen and thyroid, are considered safe during pregnancy. The ADA likewise states that dental radiographs can be safely performed during pregnancy.
Your dentist will recommend imaging only when clinically appropriate and will use the necessary safety measures.
Can I Receive Local Anesthetic While Pregnant?
Local anesthesia can be used during pregnancy when dental treatment requires it. ACOG identifies local anesthesia, including lidocaine with or without epinephrine, as safe for dental treatment during pregnancy.
If you need a filling, extraction, root canal, or another procedure that requires numbing, tell your dentist that you're pregnant so your treatment can be planned accordingly.
What About Dental Sedation During Pregnancy?
Sedation requires additional consideration during pregnancy. Big River Dental offers nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, as its dental sedation option. If you're pregnant, make sure your dentist knows before any sedation is administered.
Your dentist can discuss whether sedation is appropriate for your individual situation and, when necessary, coordinate with your prenatal care provider. The decision may depend on factors such as your stage of pregnancy, the procedure being performed, your health history, and the urgency of treatment.
Don't assume that you need to avoid all dental treatment during pregnancy simply because sedation may not be appropriate for you. Your dental team can often modify the treatment approach to keep your care both necessary and appropriate.
What If Morning Sickness Is Affecting My Teeth?
Frequent vomiting can expose your teeth to stomach acid, which can weaken enamel over time. If you experience vomiting during pregnancy, avoid brushing your teeth immediately afterward. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a baking soda and water solution to help neutralize the acid, then wait before brushing. The ADA recommends giving the enamel time to recover before brushing after vomiting.
Let your Dr. Dickey know if morning sickness or frequent vomiting is making it difficult to maintain your oral health. Our team is here to help!
What Can I Do at Home to Protect My Teeth During Pregnancy?
Your everyday habits are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile.
During pregnancy:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit frequent sugary foods and drinks.
- Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting.
- Don't brush immediately after vomiting.
- Keep your regular dental appointments.
Contact your team at Big River Dental if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or another concerning change to your oral health. Dr. Dickey can also provide personalized recommendations based on your oral health and pregnancy-related symptoms.
Let Us Help You Maintain Your Smile During Pregnancy
If you're pregnant, you don't have to wait until after delivery to take care of your teeth. Routine preventive care is an important part of maintaining your oral health, and necessary dental treatment can generally be provided during pregnancy. If you have a dental problem, delaying treatment isn't always the safest option, because an untreated problem can become more complicated.
At Big River Dental, patients can receive comprehensive dental care in a family-focused, comfortable environment. Our practice offers preventive, restorative, periodontal, emergency, and a comprehensive selection of other dental services.
Expecting a baby and need quality dental care in Meadville, MS? Contact Big River Dental to schedule an appointment and let your dental team know you're pregnant so they can help you plan appropriate care.
