Expectant Mothers and Dental Work
Expectant mothers often have questions about the safety of dental care. Preventative exams and dental cleanings are not just safe, they are highly recommended. During your pregnancy, your body will produce higher levels of hormones, and they may affect your oral health. Hormone shifts cause gum swelling and bleeding that could eventually lead to oral infections like gum disease. Research has indicated that oral infections during pregnancy are associated with preterm birth. To protect your baby’s health and your own, find an affordable dentist who provides preventative dental care for expectant mothers. Other Dental Work and Pregnancy Dental work such as fillings and crowns should be performed to reduce infection risk. This type of work is best accomplished during the second trimester when possible. During the third trimester, it may be difficult for you to remain on your back for extended periods of time. At the later stages of pregnancy, it is safest to postpone unnecessary and elective work until after the birth to avoid exposing your baby to any risks. Emergency work, such as root canals or extractions, is sometimes necessary. Medications and X-Rays Studies about the adverse effects of common dental medications on developing babies yield conflicting results. Lidocaine does cross the placenta, so if you need dental work, it’s best to use as little of the drug as possible to maintain comfort. Dental treatments often include antibiotics to prevent or treat bacterial infection. Penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin are generally considered safe during pregnancy. X-rays taken for routine annual exams can be postponed until after the birth, but sometimes they are necessary for emergency procedures. The American College of Radiology states that no single diagnostic x-ray is capable of harming a developing fetus or embryo. 5 Dental Care Tips for Expectant Mothers To optimize your dental health during pregnancy, observe the following suggestions.
- Tell your dentist you are pregnant.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Brush and floss daily.
- Keep your legs uncrossed while in the dentist’s chair to maintain healthy circulation.
- Bring a pillow and music you enjoy to your dental appointment to enhance your comfort.
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