What Is Safe At The Dental Office When I’m Pregnant?
Dental care is considered safe during pregnancy. Your dentist may consult with your obstetrician when planning your treatments, but many choices are made without consultation. For example, many medications—including some antibiotics and regional anesthetics—can be safely used during pregnancy. X-rays are also considered safe when a protective covering is utilized over your abdomen and throat.
In addition to regular visits to your dentist, you may need to see Dr. Chamberlain for problems that arise during pregnancy, like gum problems or dental erosion or enamel loss.
GUM PROBLEMS
Changes in your hormones during pregnancy may put you at an increased risk of some unique gum manifestations. For example, you may notice that your gums may swell or bleed when you are brushing them. This is a form of gum disease that is called gingivitis. Some extra effort in caring for your teeth at home may help prevent gingivitis:
brush twice a day each day for 2 minutes with a toothpaste that has fluoride;
clean between your teeth once each day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis attacks the tissues beneath the gumline that anchor your teeth in place. Professional dental care is needed to treat periodontitis. Without treatment, periodontitis can worsen, and you can lose teeth.
Another gum problem which we see often and occurs during pregnancy concerns lumps along the gumline. These are generally harmless, but they can make it difficult to keep your teeth clean. They typically go away after the baby is born, but if they cause serious problems in you being able to clean your teeth, your dentist may suggest removing them.
DENTAL EROSION
Some pregnant women experience nausea. If this causes one to vomit, the acid that concentrates in the mouth can increase the risk of dental erosion. Constant exposure to the presence of the acid can soften and often affect enamel (the hard outside layer of your teeth). This is called dental erosion. To help reduce this loss of enamel, pregnant women should wait to brush their teeth after vomiting. First, they should rinse with a diluted solution of 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize the acid and allow time for the teeth to heal themselves with nutrients found in saliva. This can take a couple of hours.
WHEN TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Dental treatment is considered safe at any time during pregnancy, but you might find yourself more comfortable if treated during your second trimester. Nausea and vomiting are more common during the first trimester, which could make treatment difficult. During your final trimester, the weight of the baby may create an uncomfortable situation while being treated in the dental chair including feeling lightheaded or dizzy. If so, tell a staff member so he or she may see about moving or switching positions to allow you more comfort from time to time.
CONCLUSION
Professional dental care is considered safe during pregnancy, can help you maintain good oral health, and also help manage any problems that may develop later on. Daily care at home is an integral part of maintaining proper health for you and your baby.
Judd Chamberlain, DDS
My small-town upbringing translates into how the office treats you as a patient. I have a conservative approach to dentistry and deep respect for your control over your dental choices. What sets me apart from most general dentists is that I completed a voluntary extra year of clinical training in dental specialties after dental school. In addition, for five years, I directed a post-graduate dental educational program through the Marillac Clinic. This means that our practice offers many specialty treatments in-house, such as root canals, implants, and extractions. It also means I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the latest technology, methods, and dental materials.
