Your teeth are pregnant, too

Guest · Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 12:01 pm Post subject: Your teeth are pregnant, too

I just found out I am pregnant, but I wanted to have some dental work done. What dental procedures are safe while I’m pregnant?

Nicole Duelli · alive Expert Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 1

During pregnancy, the first and foremost consideration is for the safety and well-being of the mother and unborn child. Most medical and dental experts agree that routine dental procedures, including the use of local anesthetic, are safe to undertake.

In the first trimester, however, elective treatments are generally avoided, while emergency situations—pain or infection—must be attended to without delay. The second trimester is the preferred time for routine dental procedures, taking into account the emotional and physical comfort of the mother as well as the safety of the child. In the third trimester, the pregnant mother may be uncomfortable lying down for longer procedures, but can be treated for urgent situations right up to the day of her labour.

Elective procedures or more extensive treatments—such as impacted wisdom teeth—that do not demand immediate attention are preferably delayed until after pregnancy. X-rays are safe for diagnostic purposes during pregnancy when appropriate precautions are used, but are best delayed, thus eliminating any concerns the mother may have about baby’s health.

Routine oral cleaning and dental care should be continued during pregnancy. Hormonal changes at this time cause some women to react with exceptional intensity to a small amount of tartar or plaque. Consequently, many pregnant women experience inflamed gum tissues, with bleeding and tenderness. They can be avoided or at least minimized by routine dental scaling, along with fastidious home care.

To address other hotly debated topics—fluoride and amalgams—Health Canada recommends that amalgam fillings not be placed or removed during pregnancy. As for fluoride, while studies show that topical fluoride does increase the decay resistance of teeth, taking extra fluoride during pregnancy does not help strengthen the baby’s teeth and is not recommended.

In short, continue to brush and floss regularly, keep those routine checkups on your calendar, and seek advice when problems do arise.

wilmao · Guest

i am pregnant too, and i want to go to my dentist...coz i want a dental check-up. i was in doubt before but reading your statement gave me strength to attend my routine check-up.

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wilma
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ReignOfLuck · Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 35 Location: los angeles, ca

Yeah, exposure to Xray can be harmful. I'd stay away from it just to be safe :)