There’s nothing more important to your dental health than maintaining a regular dental hygiene routine. This should include twice-yearly visits to your dentist and daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. But what happens when you’re pregnant? Being pregnant can lead to some notable changes to your typical routine, and it’s not uncommon for that to include your dental health. With nine months of pregnancy ahead and the need to keep up twice-a-year dental visits, you may wonder if getting dental care while pregnant is safe. Thankfully, receiving dental care is generally safe, but sometimes extra considerations need to be made. Laser Dental Bakersfield is here to support your dental health needs while you’re pregnant and will ensure you’re receiving them safely.
Considerations For Dental Care While Pregnant
Receiving dental work while pregnant is an essential part of protecting your growing baby’s health. Studies have shown that oral infections, including tooth decay and gum disease, increase the likelihood of preterm birth. This means taking care of existing decay and infections with crowns and cavity fillings is a critical way to ensure a full-term birth of a healthy baby. The best time to undergo dental care is during your first or second trimester. This is partially due to the difficulty you may experience laying on your back for an extended period. The most frequent dental procedures during your third trimester will be emergencies addressing root canals or extracting teeth.
Regardless of your stage of pregnancy, it’s best to refrain from receiving elective procedures until after the child is born. These kinds of procedures can include dental whitening and other cosmetic treatments. While there is typically minimal risk associated with dental care during pregnancy, it’s still best to avoid it outside of routine cleanings and treatment of infection or decay. Some other concerns regarding dental care commonly expressed by expectant mothers include:
- Medications – The information about the impact of medication on developing babies is conflicting. Lidocaine is one of the most commonly applied medications during dental care. This is relevant as lidocaine (category B) is known to cross the placental barrier after administration. As a result, procedures that require notable amounts of anesthesia should be avoided unless it’s an emergency.
- Dental Imaging – Dental imaging is entirely safe for you and your baby. The minimal amount of radiation in receiving an X-ray is typically less than you receive simply by spending time in the sun. However, due to an overabundance of caution, dental imaging is avoided during pregnancy. However, no single X-ray produces enough radiation to be a risk to your baby.
While receiving dental care during your first trimester is generally safe, many dentists and patients will avoid it. This is the most delicate time of your baby’s development, so waiting is a matter of safety.
Contact Laser Dental Bakersfield For More Dental Care Tips
If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, and are concerned about your oral health before or during pregnancy, call us today at (661) 885-9054. We’ll help you understand the benefits and risks of dental care while pregnant and develop a treatment plan that will be safe for you and your baby.
