Preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout your pregnancy. Local anesthetics with epinephrine (e.g., you can receive dental treatment at any time during pregnancy. If it's elective treatment (treatment you don't need right away and isn't necessary to protect your health or that of your baby), try to schedule it for the second trimester. Pregnancy can cause dental problems in some women, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
During pregnancy, hormones affect the gums and teeth. Dental checkups before and during pregnancy are important for your dentist to detect and treat dental problems early. By informing your dentist about your pregnancy as soon as possible, your dentist can provide you with a better roadmap and recommendations for your dental care during that time. Most dental services and procedures, including dental x-rays, tooth extractions, dental fillings, and dental cleanings, can be performed safely during pregnancy, and tooth extractions are recommended during the second or third trimester.
Some dental procedures may be delayed until after the baby is born, but don't hesitate to undergo the necessary dental treatments. In fact, the opposite is true: good dental hygiene is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. Gingivitis during pregnancy is a common problem during pregnancy and can be prevented or treated with regular dental cleanings. Your dentist knows your dental health situation and can recommend additional precautions, such as additional cleanings.
For your child's dental health, a visit to the dentist should be made as soon as the first tooth comes out, but no later than his or her first birthday. A dentist should be treated as an extension of your healthcare team, and most dental services and procedures can still be performed while you are pregnant with your child. Pregnancy can carry an additional risk of dental carryover due to morning sickness and increased acidity in the mouth, cravings for sugary snacks, and decreased oral health care. The following infographic covers common dental services you can receive during pregnancy, or read on to find answers to the most common questions about dental care during pregnancy.
Researchers say that many women delay visiting the dentist during pregnancy, even when dental problems occur. The risks of not treating an infection or other dental problem are important for both mother and child. Most dentists agree that additional dental cleaning during pregnancy is a good precaution against pregnancy gingivitis and its associated risks. If you plan to become pregnant, see your dentist to discuss treatments that can be done before pregnancy.
If you need dental treatment during pregnancy, non-urgent procedures can often be done after the first trimester.
