Yes, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist while you’re pregnant. This is because the hormones circulating in your body can affect your gums. Your gums are more likely to bleed and there’s a greater chance of them becoming inflamed or infected. Having a gum infection can lead to your teeth being damaged.
When should a pregnant woman visit the dentist?
Dental treatment can be done at any time during pregnancy. However, the best time to perform elective dental treatment during pregnancy is in the second trimester, weeks 14 through 20. Keep in mind that if you have a dental infection or swelling, you might need immediate treatment.
Should I see a dentist before becoming pregnant?
Suggestions for addressing your pregnancy and dental work needs:
- The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends pregnant women eat a balanced diet, brush their teeth thoroughly with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily.
- Have preventive exams and cleanings during your pregnancy.
- Let your dentist know you are pregnant.
When should I take my Baby to the dentist?
- Read up and role play. Read picture books about visiting the dentist, and encourage your toddler to play “dentist” with a stuffed animal or doll — opening wide, looking inside ...
- Use positive language. ...
- Come prepared. ...
- Plan a treat. ...
- Stay relaxed. ...
- Be a good cheerleader. ...
When should you get dental work while pregnant?
Top tips for dental problems during pregnancy
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to avoid dental problems during pregnancy.
- Go for preventive care such as scaling, prophylaxis and periodontal cleaning.
- For all cosmetic surgeries and elective treatments wait until delivery of your baby.
- Lie down comfortably in the dentist’s chair and do not cross your legs. ...
- Avoid sweets and snacking. ...
Is it OK to visit dentist during pregnancy?
Is it safe to visit the dentist while pregnant? Yes! You should continue going to your dentist during your pregnancy. Studies have shown that women who get their teeth cleaned regularly before they're pregnant don't always visit their dentist for a tooth cleaning during pregnancy.
Can I get cavities filled while pregnant?
Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important for your dental health. Not only can you take care of cleanings and procedures like cavity fillings before your baby is born, but your dentist can help you with any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you might be experiencing.
Why can't you have dental work done while pregnant?
According to the ADA and ACOG, having dental X-rays during your pregnancy is considered safe with appropriate shielding. Some women may elect to avoid dental work during the first trimester knowing this is the most vulnerable time of development.
Why first trimester is not safe for dental treatment?
Pregnancy may carry an additional risk of dental carries due to morning sickness and the increased acidity in the mouth, cravings for sugary snacks, and decreased attention on oral health. Compounding the problem, some women put off dental care due to worries about the pregnancy.
Can a tooth infection spread to baby?
An abscessed tooth needs to be treated by a dental professional right away. If it is not treated, the infection could spread to other parts of your child's body. A dentist will give your child antibiotics to stop the infection.
Can I go to dentist 13 weeks pregnant?
Treatment during every trimester is safe. However, the second trimester is the safest trimester in which to get dental treatment. The third trimester is safe, but the patient might have a hard time laying back for extended period of time.
Which trimester of pregnancy is safe for dental treatment?
Pregnancy week by week Dental treatment can be done at any time during pregnancy. However, the best time to perform elective dental treatment during pregnancy is in the second trimester, weeks 14 through 20. Keep in mind that if you have a dental infection or swelling, you might need immediate treatment.
Can you get a tooth xray when pregnant?
The amount of radiation used in a dental X-ray is very low and, according to both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association, is not enough to cause any harm to a pregnant woman or her baby.
Why is it important to tell your dentist you are pregnant?
Following a consistent oral health care routine is especially important for pregnant women for several reasons. Pregnancy changes the hormones in the body that put pregnant women at increased risk for periodontal disease, which is the most severe form of gum disease. As soon as you believe you’re pregnant, tell ...
What is the first trimester of pregnancy?
The first trimester of your pregnancy (the first 13 weeks) is the time in which most of the baby's major organs develop. If you go to the dentist during your first trimester, tell your dentist that you're pregnant and have only a checkup and routine cleaning.
Can you get a dental emergency while pregnant?
However, if you have a dental emergency, don't wait! Infections in the mouth can be harmful to you and your baby. See your dentist immediately, and make sure that all dental professionals who examine you are aware you're pregnant.
How dental health impacts your pregnancy
Preventative check-ups are essential during pregnancy, especially if you are struggling to keep up with your oral hygiene regimen at home due to morning sickness and a more sensitive gag reflex.
Oral health problems that develop during pregnancy
Several oral health issues may develop or worsen throughout your pregnancy. Continuing with or increasing your dental visits can alleviate many of these problems and allow you and your dentist to work together to treat any concerns early.
Is it safe to visit a dentist during pregnancy?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit your dentist during pregnancy. In fact, some women may need more frequent check-ups due to inflamed gums.
Conclusion
In the end, I hope you now understand how important dental care is during pregnancy. It’s safe, highly recommended, and can help you avoid preventative complications from occurring. Do you have any questions about dental care during pregnancy? Leave them below!
What percentage of pregnant women skip dentist appointments?
The answer: Absolutely. But it’s a message many moms-to-be aren’t paying enough attention to. A 2015 study from Delta Dental found that 42.5 percent of pregnant women are skipping out on their dentist appointments, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says are critical during pregnancy.
Why do my gums get puffy during pregnancy?
Coupled with elevated hormone levels, this can cause a heightened inflammatory response to the presence of plaque, resulting in puffy, inflamed gums in expectant mothers. Those puffy gums make you more susceptible to periodontal disease.”
Can you get dental work while pregnant?
Dental Work During Pregnancy. Many moms-to-be incorrectly assume that even if they’re in need of dental work, it’ll have to wait until after pregnancy—but in fact, the ACOG says teeth cleaning, dental X-rays and local anesthesia received during cavity fillings and root canals are all perfectly safe for expectant women.
