Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist While Pregnant?
In the last few weeks, we’ve continued to discuss the importance of visiting the dentist while pregnant. Just as you would make it to your regularly scheduled doctor visit, heading to the dentist for your dental check-up is of significant importance during your pregnancy.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also agree that it is safe to visit the dentist while pregnant and it is critical to maintaining optimal health while pregnant.
To address a few concerns women commonly have while pregnant, we’ve clarified all you need to know below:
When to Tell Your Dentist You Are Pregnant
The sooner you tell your dentist about your pregnancy, the better. Your dentist should know of any medical conditions related to your pregnancy or if you are at high-risk. This will greatly influence the kind of dental care you receive and change any treatment dates as needed.
How Pregnancy Will Affect Your Mouth?
Depending on your pregnancy, your oral health conditions can change. To keep up with these changes, if they occur, it’s important to attend regular checkups.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
As mentioned above, your oral health can change with your pregnancy. When pregnant, your body goes through many hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can affect your pregnancy and cause “pregnancy gingivitis”. Pregnancy gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can cause bleeding, swelling, and tenderness. If you are noticing changes with your gums due to your pregnancy, it’s important to visit your dentist to avoid worsening the condition if left untreated.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Did you know that pregnant women are also prone to cavities? Consider this: due to cravings, some women intake more sugars. Ultimately, this can lead to tooth decay if one doesn’t maintain optimal oral care. In addition, women commonly experience morning sickness while pregnant. The acids from morning sickness can eat away at your tooth enamel, also causing tooth decay.
Pregnancy Tumors
The word “tumor” can easily give one a scare, but it’s important to know that if “pregnancy tumors” appear on your gums during your pregnancy, they are not cancerous. The excess plaque will typically cause pregnancy tumors, but they usually disappear after birth.
Medications
If you are taking any medications while pregnant, it’s important to inform your dentist about these medications. In the instance that your dentist must prescribe you with medication, your pre-existing medication will influence your script. You should also inform your physician of any medication you need to take for oral health reasons.
Local Anesthetics During Pregnancy
Local anesthetics are, in fact, safe for both you and your baby. For more information on local anesthetics during your pregnancy, check out the ADA’s study here.
Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy
There’s no need to worry about receiving dental X-rays during your pregnancy. In general, radiation is extremely low and your dentist will ensure that you are covered with a leaded apron to minimize exposure to the abdomen. You will also be covered in the throat area with a leaded collar to protect your thyroid from radiation.
Choose a dentist with experience for your pregnancy
North Pointe Dental Associates have over 40 years of treating women during their pregnancy for dental related needs. If you’re searching for a new dentist to assist you during this special time in your life, get in touch with our dental specialists today.
