Yes, of course, you can visit us! Expectant mothers frequently have questions about pregnancy and dental work. Preventative dental cleanings and annual checkups are safe and advised throughout pregnancy. The increase in hormone levels causes the gums to trap food. They can also cause the gums to expand and bleed.
Preventive dental care is necessary during pregnancy to avoid oral diseases such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth.
Dental procedures, such as crowns and cavity fillings, should be avoided while pregnant to prevent the risk of infection. The second trimester is preferable when it comes to dental work during pregnancy. It may be difficult to lie on your back for an extended period as you reach the third trimester.
However, emergency dental work, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, is sometimes required. Elective treatments like tooth whitening and other aesthetic operations should be avoided until after the baby is born.
What About Pharmaceuticals?
There is currently conflicting research on the potentially detrimental consequences of drugs used during dental work on the developing fetus. The most widely used medication during dental work is lidocaine. After injection, lidocaine crosses the placenta.
If a dental procedure is required, the amount of anesthetic used should be as minimal as possible while still providing adequate comfort. Request additional numbing if you are in pain. When you are at ease, the amount of stress on you and the baby decreases. Furthermore, the more relaxed you are, the easier it is for the anesthetic to work.
Antibiotics are frequently used in dentistry to prevent or cure infections. Following your procedure, antibiotics such as clindamycin, amoxicillin, and penicillin, which are classified as category B for pregnant safety, may be recommended.
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
Your routine x-rays may typically be postponed until after the baby is born. However, many dental operations, especially emergency procedures, require X-rays. According to the American College of Radiology, no one diagnostic x-ray contains enough radiation to harm a growing embryo or fetus.
Dental X-rays during pregnancy are considered safe by the ADA and ACOG when adequately shielded.
Because this is the most critical stage of development, some women may postpone dental care during the first trimester. However, no evidence seeing the dentist during this critical period can harm the fetus.
In addition, if non-emergency dental work is required during the third trimester, it is typically postponed until after the baby is born. This is done to avoid long periods of laying on your back, which can be very uncomfortable.
Don’t Avoid the Dentist During Pregnancy
Pregnancy necessitates numerous medical appointments. While it may be tempting to avoid going to the dentist in Bendigo, this is one appointment you should not put off.
Begin caring for your baby’s teeth right now! Around three months into your pregnancy, your baby’s first teeth will appear. Yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products give critical minerals and benefit your baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.
Should you have any questions concerning oral care during pregnancy, please feel free to reach out.