Pregnancy
Is it safe to see the dentist while I am pregnant? The answer is yes! As a result of the changes going on in your body, there are a few oral manifestations that can result. This list includes but is not limited to the following:
Is it safe to see the dentist while I am pregnant? The answer is yes! As a result of the changes going on in your body, there are a few oral manifestations that can result. This list includes but is not limited to the following:
- Pregnancy gingivitis is very common as a result of the large hormone changes that are currently happening. Many women also report having gingival hyperplasia which is where the gums look swollen and cover more of the tooth than normal. Again these changes are very common as a result of all the hormonal changes happening in the body.
- Morning sickness can occur multiple times a day. When this phenomenon occurs, stomach acids are released through the mouth which, if occurring consistently enough, can cause some breakdown in tooth structure if not removed. The best practice to prevent this breakdown is to initially swish with a mixture of 1 tsp of baking soda in 1 cup of water and spit the mixture out. Then after waiting 30 min, brush your teeth with tooth paste like normal. The baking soda will help neutralize the pH of your mouth and help to quell the effects of the corrosive stomach acids.
- Your risk of decay may be heightened during this time. This stems from many places including a change in diet to more carbohydrate heavy foods, frequent morning sickness, or even the inability to stand the taste of toothpaste.
As a result of these changes it is absolutely crucial to keep up with your regular dental care. Depending on the severity of any one or more of these complications, your dentist may put you on a recall cycle of less than 6 months to help manage your overall oral health.
As a result of these changes it is absolutely crucial to keep up with your regular dental care. Depending on the severity of any one or more of these complications, your dentist may put you on a recall cycle of less than 6 months to help manage your overall oral health.
Are x-rays safe to take during pregnancy? According to the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations, x-rays can be safely taken during pregnancy if the correct precautions are taken. These precautions include covering the patient's thorax and abdomen with a lead vest and also covering the neck with a thyroid collar. These precautions are standard operating procedure for all patients whether they are pregnant or not, but are supremely beneficial during pregnancy. This, combined with the low dose of radiation that dental x-rays emit will help keep you and your child safe while also helping your dentist maintain the health of your mouth.
Are x-rays safe to take during pregnancy? According to the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations, x-rays can be safely taken during pregnancy if the correct precautions are taken. These precautions include covering the patient's thorax and abdomen with a lead vest and also covering the neck with a thyroid collar. These precautions are standard operating procedure for all patients whether they are pregnant or not, but are supremely beneficial during pregnancy. This, combined with the low dose of radiation that dental x-rays emit will help keep you and your child safe while also helping your dentist maintain the health of your mouth.
If my dentist finds something on the x-ray, when is the best time for treatment? According to the ADA recommendations, dental treatment is safe during pregnancy and is recommended most during the second trimester if at all possible. If an emergency arises or there is urgent care needed, emergency dental procedures can be preformed as needed. Many dentists like to know when their patients are trying to get pregnant so we can make a thorough evaluation to help mitigate any problems that may arise during pregnancy. Any cosmetic or aesthetic work should be deferred until after your child is born so no unnecessary risks are taken during such an important time in you and your child's life.
If my dentist finds something on the x-ray, when is the best time for treatment? According to the ADA recommendations, dental treatment is safe during pregnancy and is recommended most during the second trimester if at all possible. If an emergency arises or there is urgent care needed, emergency dental procedures can be preformed as needed. Many dentists like to know when their patients are trying to get pregnant so we can make a thorough evaluation to help mitigate any problems that may arise during pregnancy. Any cosmetic or aesthetic work should be deferred until after your child is born so no unnecessary risks are taken during such an important time in you and your child's life.
If you have any concerns please call the office to speak with one of our doctors about dental care during pregnancy.
If you have any concerns please call the office to speak with one of our doctors about dental care during pregnancy.
For more information, follow the links below
For more information, follow the links below
This information is meant solely for informational purposes and not as medical or dental advice. Please consult your physician before any dental procedures.