Is it Safe to Undergo Dental Treatment during Pregnancy?
In between hospital tours, trips to the doctor, and setting up the baby’s room, do not let visiting dental clinics fall of the pregnancy to-do list before the baby comes out. Getting a regular checkup during this time is very important and safe for your overall dental health. Not only can pregnant women take care of cleanings and procedures such as cavity fillings before the baby is out, but their dental professionals can help them with any symptoms they are experiencing related to their pregnancy.
According to the American Congress of OB-GYN, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, women are encouraged to get oral care while pregnant. It is a very important period in women’s lives, and maintaining dental health is related to good overall health. Listed below are some concerns women have when it comes to going to dentists during their pregnancy.
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When to tell the professional they are pregnant
Even if they only think that there is a good chance they are pregnant, let the clinic know. Women need to tell them how far along they are when setting the appointment. Not only that, let the professional know about any medication they are taking or if they have received any special instructions from their OB-GYN. If the pregnancy is a high-risk one or if the patient has a specific medical condition, the dental professional and the OB-GYN may recommend that some procedures be postponed.
How will the gestation period affect the mouth?
Although a lot of women make the entire period with no oral discomfort, pregnancy can make some issues worse, as well as create new ones. A regular checkup and good oral health habits can help keep the patient and the baby healthy.
Pregnancy-induced gingivitis
The mouth can be affected by any hormonal changes happening in the body, especially during gestation. For instance, some women develop a problem known as parturiency-induced gingivitis. It is an inflammation of the gums that causes tenderness and swelling. The gums can also bleed when people floss or brush their teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe forms of gum problems. Dentists may recommend frequent cleaning procedures help prevent this.
Check out https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241721 for information about gingivitis.
Increased chances of getting tooth decay
Pregnant women are also prone to tooth decay or cavities for a lot of reasons. If they are regularly eating food rich in carbohydrates, this can cause cavities. Morning sickness can also increase the amount of acid in the mouth. This acid can eat away the outer covering of the tooth or the enamel.
Brushing at least three times a day and flossing regularly can also be taken for granted during this period for many reasons, like morning sickness, tender gums, exhaustions, and sensitive gag reflex. It is especially crucial to keep the regular routine, as poor habits during this time have been associated with intrauterine growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, premature delivery, and gestational diabetes.
Parturiency tumors
In some females, overgrowth of tissues appears on the gums, usually during the second trimester. It is not cancerous but, instead, a swelling that usually happens between teeth. This thing may be related to excess formation of plaque. They bleed easily, as well as have a raw-looking and red raspberry-like appearance. These things usually disappear after the baby is born, but if the future mother is concerned, they can talk to their trusted dental professional about removing them.
Medications
Make certain dental services know what prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter drugs you are taking. These details will help them determine what kind of prescription to give you. These experts can consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist to choose prescription medications like antibiotics or pain relievers you may safely take during this time. Both obstetrician-gynecologist and dentists are concerned about the future mother and the baby, so patients need to ask them as many questions as possible when it comes to the drugs and medications they recommend.
Dental X-rays
Yes, it is pretty safe to get this procedure during the entire gestation period. Although radiation for X-rays is pretty low, the professional will cover patients with leaded aprons that reduce exposure to the abdomen. Clinics will also cover the patient’s throat with a leaded collar to help protect the thyroid from X-ray radiation.