Dental care during pregnancy
Check-ups
Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should have a dental check-up, including an evaluation of the gums. The procedure is considered perfectly safe for pregnant women.
Cleanings
As a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy, gingivitis (gum infection) is one of the most common problems among expecting women. Some of the symptoms include red, swollen, tender and bleeding gums, and foul breath. Gum disease should not be ignored since it is related to preterm births and low birth weight, predisposing to serious and lasting health problems. Teeth cleanings performed during the second trimester of pregnancy reduces such a risk by 68%.
Dental treatment
The best time to get your dental treatments done is during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. After you have entered your 3rd trimester, it can become quite difficult to be on your back a dentist’s chair for longer durations and hours. The best option is to postpone all types of non-urgent dental work, including cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, until your baby is born.
Local anesthesia
The amount of anesthesia administered should be as little as possible, but still enough to make you comfortable. If you are experiencing pain, the amount of stress on you and the baby is increased. Also, the more comfortable you are, the easier it is for the anesthesia to work. Getting your headphones and listening to your favorite music can help you relax. Make sure your legs are left uncrossed to maintain stable blood circulation.
Nitrous oxide sedation
is contraindicated during the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
Antibiotics
Dental procedures may require antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics like amoxicillin, penicillin or clindamycin are considered safe during pregnancy (category B drugs). Tetracycline should be avoided during pregnancy since it can cause permanent discoloration of your baby’s teeth.
Painkillers
Tylenol is considered safe during all 3 trimesters of pregnancy. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is safe in the first two trimesters – when used in the final three months it may increase bleeding during delivery.
Dental X-rays
Organ developments of the fetus takes place in the 1st trimester, therefore it is best to avoid any potential dangers during this time. Routine X-rays should be postponed until the baby is born. However, in emergency situations, when a dentist needs x-rays to diagnose and decide on a plan of action, they may be unavoidable.
Diet
A healthy diet and proper nutrition plays an important role in keeping your teeth healthy and is also essential for your growing baby. Eat foods which are rich in vitamin D and calcium. Eating a well balanced diet, rich in vitamin D and calcium, and maintaining good oral hygiene will help you avoid gum and teeth problems, as well as keeping your baby healthy.
In-home care
It is a myth that a woman loses a tooth with every pregnancy. Your baby doesn’t take the calcium from your teeth. A different diet, extensive morning sickness, or a lack of home care or professional treatment during pregnancy may all lead to more cavities while you are pregnant. Therefore, it’s important to be especially thorough in your daily home care – using CDA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing daily.