Which Procedures Are Better Avoided during Pregnancy?

Caring for your teeth and gums becomes essential if you are pregnant. This is because pregnancy results in hormonal changes to boost the risk of developing gum infections which can affect the health of your developing baby.

Below are some tips to help maintain good oral health during and after pregnancy.

Before Getting Pregnant

Try to schedule an appointment with the dentist near you before getting pregnant. The meeting is to ensure your teeth are professionally cleaned and examined for any oral health problems that the dentist can treat before you get pregnant. The dentist will also scrutinize your gum tissue looking for signs of complications that might develop.

Dental Care When Pregnant

• Inform the dental clinic about your pregnancy because routine dental care is essential at any time during your pregnancy. You can also undergo any urgent dental procedures that you may need. However, all elective dental procedures are better postponed until after the birth of your baby. Before scheduling your dental appointment, please verify with your obstetrician to check whether they have specific instructions or precautions for you.
• Provide your dentist with the names of the drugs you are taking with the prices, including prenatal vitamins, besides any specific advice given by your healthcare provider. Your dentist might alter your dental treatment based on the information you provide.
• Dental x-rays are safe and can be done during pregnancy. However, the Delta dentist uses specific precautions to safeguard you and your baby by shielding your abdomen and thyroid. In addition, advances in technology have made x-rays safer than earlier.
• Ensure you don’t avoid or delay your dental checkups because you are pregnant. Regular exams become more essential because of the hormonal changes caused by the pregnancy, putting you at a higher risk of periodontal disease and tender gums that bleed easily. Nearly 40 percent of women develop pregnancy gingivitis sometime during pregnancy. If you already have periodontal disease, pregnancy can aggravate your condition.
• Pay attention to changes in your gums during your delicate state. If you notice tenderness, bleeding, or swelling at any time during your pregnancy, discuss the problem with your dentist or a periodontist as soon as possible.
• Follow excellent oral hygiene practices to reduce oral health issues. The methods must include brushing twice daily, flossing once and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Do not skip professional cleanings merely because you are pregnant. Professional cleanings are vital during pregnancy because gum disease doesn’t improve unless it receives treatment from a dental professional. The treatments might include antibiotics and excision of the tissues affected.
• If morning sickness prevents you from brushing, consider changing to a bland toothpaste during your pregnancy. Request your dentist to recommend brands before making the change.

Procedures Better Avoided during Pregnancy

Your dentist suggests you avoid cosmetic procedures during pregnancy even if your teeth lose their aesthetic appearance and impact your smile. This is because some cosmetic dentistry procedures are uncomfortable and require sitting in the dentist’s chair for extended periods making it uncomfortable for you to endure the challenges. Therefore you must delay or postpone treatment like teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants for replacing missing teeth, et cetera. However, you can begin planning for the treatment to have them after the birth of your baby.

Anesthetics during Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and need fillings for a cavity, a wisdom tooth pulled, or a root canal, you don’t worry about the safety of the numbing medications dentists use during your treatment. In reality, the numbing drugs are safe for you and your baby. In addition, you can have these procedures during any trimester of your pregnancy to ensure you don’t put your mouth and your general health at risk from the infection. Therefore if you need any treatments for an emergency, consider visiting your dentist for help to reduce the chances of the condition.

During pregnancy, you become prone to the risk of gingivitis and dental caries and require counselling by your obstetrician and dentist on the importance of good oral hygiene during this delicate period. While most dental treatments are available during pregnancy, cosmetic dental procedures are better avoided until after your child’s birth. Therefore you must inform your dentist about your pregnancy or the intention to become pregnant to ensure they advise you on appropriate oral hygiene practices to ensure you don’t become prone to dental issues later during your pregnancy.

If you intend to get pregnant or are pregnant, consult Precision Dentistry on the procedures you can or cannot receive during this delicate period. The practice deals with many pregnant women and can help you with proper advice beneficial for your unique situation.