Can You Go To The Dentist While Pregnant

Supine Hypotensive Syndrome At The Dentist

A Visit to the Dentist: Prenatal Mom

One condition that all dentists should be aware of is supine hypotensive syndrome. This is a medical condition in which excessive pressure on the abdominal vena cava or aorta that leads to a significant drop in the patients blood pressure .

This is most likely when a pregnant woman in the later stages of her pregnancy lies on her back for an excessive period of time.

Symptoms of supine hypotensive syndrome include:

Treating or preventing supine hypotensive syndrome is as simple as tilting to the left to take the pressure off of those blood vessels. This can be accomplished by either placing a small cushion under the right hip or rolling more onto your left side.

What About The Medications

Currently, there are conflicting studies about possible adverse effects on the developing baby from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work. Lidocaine does cross the placenta after administration.

If dental work is needed, the amount of anesthesia administered should be as little as possible, but still enough to make you comfortable. If you are experiencing pain, request additional numbing. When you are comfortable, the amount of stress on you and the baby is reduced. Also, the more comfortable you are, the easier it is for the anesthesia to work.Dental work often requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labeled category B for safety in pregnancy, maybe prescribed after your procedure.

Dental Anesthetic For Pregnancy Women

A pregnant woman requiring dental care will also most probably require anaesthetic. The most common local anaesthetic used in dentistry today is Lidocaine. Fortunately, Lidocaine is labelled as a Category B drug by the FDA, which means that it can be safely administered to pregnant women

Despite this fact, during the first trimester of pregnancy , the risk of a baby developing developmental malformations as a side effect of drugs is at a greatest, therefore its advised that local anesthetic be given to all pregnant women except those who are in their first trimester.

Other Local anesthetics can also be used, however they need to be used in caution with great attention given to the doses.

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Is Having Dental Work While Pregnant Safe

Pregnancy and dental work questions are common for expecting moms. Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe but are recommended. The rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food causing increased irritation to your gums.

Preventive dental work while pregnant is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth.

Dental Procedures & Pregnancy

Going to the Dentist while Pregnant

The good news is that its absolutely safe to visit the dentist while pregnant. Actually, its good for you and your babys health! There may not seem to be a direct link between oral health and pregnancy, but plaque bacteria can lead to low birth weight and labor complications when it enters the bloodstream. Not only does maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine prevent that from being an issue, but seeing your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and examinations does as well!

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Is It Safe To Get A Regular Dental Cleaning While Pregnant

Maintaining good oral health habits such as flossing daily, brushing at least twice a day, and going for dental checkups, can prevent complications during pregnancy. Most of the dental complications can worsen and lead to dental plaque.

If pregnant, you can prevent dental plaque by:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a rounded-tip toothbrush
  • Flossing between teeth once daily to remove food particles
  • Using an antibacterial mouth rinse
  • Go for a comprehensive dental checkup in the first trimester

Regular dental exams are critical at this time as they can help to detect problems early and prevent complications down the road.

Going for dental cleanings during every trimester is safe. The first and second trimesters are the safest in which to schedule all forms of dental treatment. While the third trimester is also safe, you might be unable to lie on your back for long.

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What Additional Measures Does The Practice Take To Ensure Safety

Dr. Chan and his staff strive to keep patients safe. That is why our office has extra precautions in place to help stop the spread

When you arrive at our office, we ask you to wait in your car to limit the number of patients inside at a time. We request you wear a mask until seated in the dental chair.

All patients must pass a temperature check and respond to a COVID-19 screening before their appointment. Also, we provide hand sanitizer and ask you to wash your hands frequently.

Our staff will be wearing additional personal protection equipment, such as face shields, hair covers. For certain procedures, high volume air filtration and suction HEPA and Ulta units will be utilized to filter out airborne contaminants. You may notice one in the reception room.

Pandemic or not, Dr. Chan wants to make sure you always have a beautiful, healthy smile. Whether you have a specific concern or just want to schedule dental prophylaxis , our entire staff will go above and beyond to keep you safe and comfortable at all times.

Visiting The Dentist When Pregnant

Is It Safe to Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy?

The first 12 weeks of a pregnancy is also the most precarious, so a visit to the dentist when pregnant should be left until the second trimester.

If you do decide to go to your dentist during your first trimester, make sure you let them know you are pregnant and if possible, have only a check-up and clean.

Unless you have a dental emergency, postpone any major dental work until after the first 12 weeks as the babys major organs are still developing.

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Why Is Dental Care More Important In Pregnancy

Owing to hormonal fluctuations in their bodies, women are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay during pregnancy. Also, certain medications can increase the risk of dry mouth and periodontal disease.

Not only this, women with poor oral health can have early pregnancies, low birth weight babies, pre-eclampsia, gingival tissue ulcerations, pregnancy granulomas, gingivitis, pregnancy tumors , loose teeth, dry mouth, and tooth erosions.

Dental Cleaning While Pregnant

Getting professional dental cleaning while pregnant is the practice you should stick to to preserve your dental health and minimize the risks of developing any urgent conditions. However, having regular appointments with your dentist is not enough to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Daily oral hygiene is essential to keep your mouth cavity in good condition.Your daily ritual of dental care while expecting a baby should include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice daily, minimum. If you suffer from morning sickness, youd better use acid-neutralizing toothpaste to protect your enamel from erosion.
  • Flossing once a day is another must of pregnancy dental routine.
  • Antimicrobial mouthwash when pregnant should also be present in your daily oral hygiene as the risk for gum infection is high during this period.

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Can I Get Dental Work While Pregnant

Congratulations, youre pregnant! Self-care including your routine trips to the dentist are vital during this special time. The article is intended to help educate you on what you need to know about going to the dentist when pregnant. To get the best care possible for you and your unborn child, inform your dentist that you are pregnant so proper precautions can be made for your health and safety.

Image by Tawny van Breda from Pixabay.com

Are Dental Medications Safe While Pregnant

Dental Care during Pregnancy

The studies on the effects of dental medications during pregnancy are conflicting. Lidocaine is used most often in dental procedures, and it does get into the placenta. However, its not clear whether it has any adverse effects on the baby.

If you do need serious dental work done, it should be done with as little anaesthesia as possible. However, there should still be enough to keep you comfortable. If youre in pain, its okay to ask for more numbing.

Its important to be comfortable because when youre stressed, the baby gets stressed too. The dental procedure often goes better if youre not in pain, too.

Another medication often used with a dental procedure is antibiotics. These medications, including clindamycin, amoxicillin, and penicillin, are safe to take as long as you follow directions.

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Dental Visits During Pregnancy

You should maintain regular checkups and cleanings during your pregnancy, as hormonal changes can swell your gums and make your teeth more sensitive.

Essential procedures such as crowns and fittings should also be undertaken as normal. These prophylactic checkups help ward off the possible chance of infection. Be more cautious because dental problems could contribute to preterm birth.

While getting these done, dont forget what phase of pregnancy you are in. So, wind up all your dental procedures by the end of the second trimester. In the third trimester, your babys size may not allow you to sit comfortably in the dental chair for a long.

However, it doesnt mean emergency dental visits should be put off. If necessary, get your tooth extractions or root canals fixed, irrespective of the trimester you are in.

But cosmetic procedures are a no-no. For instance, do not consider teeth whitening. Wait for such procedures until birth, or you will expose your little one to harmful rays.

What To Look For When Pregnant

Often, sensitive and bleeding gums are the first sign of pregnancy as a result of the hormone increase and sensitivity to bacteria in the mouth. Nausea and vomiting also may have a negative impact on teeth and enamel. Maintaining positive oral health will reduce the side effects of pregnancy on teeth.

Because pregnancy increases the risk for certain oral diseases, expectant mothers must watch for symptoms of these diseases such as:

  • An increase in swelling and bleeding in the gums beyond what is normal in pregnancy
  • Pain when eating and chewing
  • Deep pockets between teeth and gums

If you are planning to become pregnant, you should schedule any extensive dental work prior to conceiving. Once you become pregnant, you should schedule an appointment in the first trimester. While some dental care will be limited during pregnancy, ensuring great oral health prior to pregnancy will prevent emergency problems with limited pain options, in addition to the added health benefits for the mother and baby.

Schedule your prenatal dental hygiene appointment today.

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Visiting The Dentist While Pregnant: What You Need To Know

Wondering if you can safely visit the dentist while pregnant?

The answer is yes, you canand you should.

Dental work while pregnant can be important for keeping you and your baby healthy. From routine care to more serious procedures, its important that you keep up with whatever care you need.

However, there are a few things to consider when going to the dentist while pregnant. Some things require more attention, while other medications and processes might not be safe during this time.

In this guide, well show you everything you need to know to safely take care of your teeth and your baby. Keep reading to learn more!

Cervical Screening During Pregnancy

DENTAL WORK WHILE PREGNANT | SAFE DENTAL WORK DURING PREGNANCY | PREGNANCY AND DENTAL TREATMENT

You will not usually need to have cervical screening if you’re pregnant, or could be pregnant, until at least 12 weeks after you’ve given birth. This is because pregnancy can make it harder to get clear results.

If you’re already pregnant and due for a cervical screening test then tell the GP or clinic.

You will usually be advised to reschedule the test for a date around 12 weeks after your baby is born.

If you’ve previously had an abnormal result from a cervical screening test, you may need to be screened while you’re pregnant. Your GP or midwife may ask you to have a cervical screening test at your first antenatal appointment. This test will not affect your pregnancy.

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Yes You Can Get Dental Work While Pregnant

The American Dental Association, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American Academy of Pediatrics all agree that women should get dental work while pregnant.2

A main reason is the rising hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed and trap food. The increased irritation to your gums can cause oral infections like , which has been linked to preterm birth.3

Let your dentist know right away when youre pregnant or if you think youre pregnant. Also, let them know if youre taking any medications or if your physician has given you special advice. If your pregnancy is high-risk or you have certain medical conditions, some dental treatments may need to be postponed.4

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy Dental Care

Routine preventive care is one thing, but people also tend to worry about the safety of specific dental procedures during pregnancy. With ACOGs recommendations in mind, well answer the following common questions about specific aspects of dental care during pregnancy.

Its generally recommended that optional or cosmetic dental care be put off until after birth, and that necessary procedures be done before the third trimester. This is because the babys weight at that point in pregnancy may make it hard to sit back in a dentists chair for long periods.

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Let Your Dental Hygienist And Dentist Know Youre Pregnant Before X

The American Dental Association now says that getting x-rays are okay during pregnancy. X-rays are important in detecting oral health problems, including inflamed tooth pulp, bone loss and hidden tooth decay.

There was a study in 2004, however, that found an increase in low birth weight among women who had dental x-rays while pregnant. To learn more about this study, click here.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding x-rays during your pregnancy, talk to your dentist, OB-GYN, midwife, doula and/or your family physician.

Potential Oral Health Issues To Be Aware Of During Pregnancy:

Can You Go To The Dentist While Pregnant

Pregnancy gingivitis

  • Hormonal changes in pregnancy may affect your mouth. If your gums are feeling swollen or tender, you may be experiencing pregnancy gingivitis. Your gums may also be more prone to bleeding when flossing or brushing. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.

Increased risk of tooth decay

  • A number of reasons may be behind increased tooth decay when pregnant. The first and most obvious is that as the baby develops you need to consume significantly more nutrients than usual and this, in some individuals, can mean not only an increased amount of carbs but also an increased frequency of eating both of which can make you more susceptible to decay. In addition, during the first trimester a proportion of women can suffer from morning sickness and the acid that is generated in the mouth can significantly weaken the enamel. Finally, during the final trimester as the baby gets close to full term many patients complain of acid reflux as the result of the pressure baby is putting on the stomach.

Dysgeusia and Ptyalism bad tastes in mouth!

Medications

  • It is important that your dentist knows how your pregnancy is progressing along with any medications you may be taking. This is especially important if your dentist is considering prescribing you any medications for either pain relief or dental infections so they can be sure that these are safe to use during pregnancy.

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Mercury Free Fillings Especially If Pregnant

The use of silver fillings has been reduced in dental practices due to the presence of mercury in the filling material. Mercury can affect and damage many of the bodys vital organs including the brain, liver, kidneys, and lungs.

If you need to have a cavity filled, be sure to let the dentist know youre pregnant and do not want a filling that contains mercury. Many people, whether they are pregnant or not, are choosing to have old metal fillings removed and replaced with a non-mercury alternative.

How Do You Care For Your Teeth And Gums

To keep your teeth and gums healthy:

  • Brush your teeth twice a dayin the morning and before bedand floss once a day.
  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.
  • Use a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush to brush your tongue from back to front.
  • Eat a healthy diet to help keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong.
  • Choose foods that are good for your teeth, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and foods that are low in saturated fat and sodium.
  • Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque grow.
  • Schedule checkups and cleanings as often as your dentist recommends them.
  • Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco can make tooth decay worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
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