You have a bouncing baby girl or boy on the way, but you need to go to the dentist.
Many expectant mothers wonder whether it is OK to go to the dentist while pregnant. Considering all the different treatments and medications that you can use for various dental conditions – and the fact that unborn children are sensitive to almost everything a mother does – it’s a valid concern.
After reading this piece, you’ll understand better whether it’s safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. We’ll cover regular dental checkups while pregnant, using medications for dental procedures while pregnant, and more.
If you have any concerns about going to the dentist while pregnant, you can always contact our office on 65836111 to find out more.
Should You Go to the Dentist While Pregnant?
In short, yes, it is completely safe to go to the dentist while pregnant.
Many of the procedures common with dental checkups, dental surgeries, and more are completely safe for expectant mothers. There is no need to forgo regular dental visits. Also, it’s very safe to undergo various common dental procedures.
Can I Go for a Dental Checkup While Pregnant?
Getting a dental checkup while pregnant is completely safe, and highly suggested.
Dental checkups and cleanings are essential to enjoying good dental health. Sometimes those cravings common with pregnancy can lead us to eat bad foods. This requires getting a regular cleaning will improve your chances of keeping your teeth healthy during pregnancy.
Regular dental checkups during pregnancy help to combat some common dental issues for women when carrying a child. Below are some common issues that can be caught with regular checkups:
Tooth Decay
Pregnant women are more susceptible to tooth decay. Many women find themselves consuming more carbohydrates during pregnancy, which is converted into sugars that are harmful to teeth.
Getting a professional cleaning will help to fight gum problems that become more common during pregnancy.
Gingivitis While Pregnant
Given that tooth decay is more of a risk during pregnancy, gingivitis becomes more of a possibility.
That means preventing gingivitis from sprouting up is crucial for your own future health. Gingivitis causes further tooth decay and can create infections in your mouth. Without any debate, you must go to the dentist to keep from developing gingivitis while pregnant.
Pregnancy Tumors
During the second trimester, many expectant mothers will develop what are called “pregnancy tumours”.
These are not cancerous. Rather, they are overgrowths of tissue caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Plaque – the sticky residue of food left in the mouth after eating – builds up and holds on to bacteria. A professional cleaning will help you avoid developing “pregnancy tumours”.
Can I Use Local Anesthetics While Pregnant?
This is a common concern for mothers who are expecting a baby. Well, you don’t have to worry at all because it is safe to use local anaesthetics while pregnant.
If you are put under local anaesthetics, it’s most likely for a filling, a root canal, or other common dental procedure. The compounds used, such as lidocaine, are perfectly safe for mothers and unborn children.
Can I Use Dental Medications While Pregnant?
Most medications you will use for dental treatments are safe for pregnant mothers.
But, letting your dentist know which medications you are already taking – those which are prescribed by your doctor – is crucial to make sure you are not prescribed something that will interact with medicines you are already using.
Are Dental X-Rays Harmful During Pregnancy?
The amount of radiation used during a dental x-ray is so small, it is not harmful at all for mothers and unborn babies.
While undergoing dental x-rays, dental assistants will cover the abdomen with a special apron that blocks radiation from reaching your child. As the amount of radiation is minimal at best, you can rest assured your baby is completely unaffected by dental x-rays.
Do You Have More Concerns? Reach Out!
At Star Dental, we understand the many concerns our patients can have throughout many parts of their life. When it comes to expectant mothers, there’s almost no time more precious than while you are holding your unborn child.
We make sure all our procedures are designed to be completely safe for mothers if they visit our office while pregnant. For more assurance, contact our office today to get the peace of mind you deserve.
Author; Dr Jeremy Rourke, B.D.S. Hons. Syd Univ. Dental Surgeon
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Call us today: 65836111
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/
My name is Jeremy Rourke. I’m part of a family of dentists with my father, brother, cousin and nephew also being dentists. I won a University of Sydney Dental Alumni prize for being the top student in my year and graduated with Honours in 1971. I have been a Registered dentist for over 40 years. In that time I have created a few “firsts” in my efforts to stay ahead.