Although dental procedures can be executed during pregnancy, performing them during the second trimester is usually the best time to evade experiencing long-term effects. The use of non-mercury fillings is advised for pregnant women as there’s a risk of mercury exposure. Even though dentists can still perform most dental procedures during pregnancy, some changes are significant enough to deserve a visit from the dentist.
Are Dental Treatments Safe During Pregnancy?
Dental treatment is necessary at every stage of your life, even when growing new life. Most dental treatments can continue as usual during pregnancy, but some minor changes are significant enough for your dentist to know. You should let your dentist know if you are pregnant during a dental check-up. There is a mistaken belief that getting dental treatments during pregnancy will affect the baby and the expectant mother, as a result of which the expectant mother tends to avoid going to the dentist. The hormone changes will compromise teeth and gums during pregnancy, provoking problems like tooth decay, gum diseases, and much more. If you neglect such dental concerns during pregnancy, they will negatively influence your baby too. A variety of oral health treatments – including teeth cleaning, x-rays, pain medication, and local anaesthesia – are safe throughout pregnancy if carried out by an experienced dentist.
Oberoi Dental Clinic helps and treats the going-to-be moms through every step of their pregnancy as pregnant women have critical dental needs. Taking care of your teeth and gums while pregnant is crucial because hormonal changes in your body can increase the risk of gum disease.
During pregnancy, you may notice some changes to your oral health, including one or more of the following conditions:
- Pregnancy Gingivitis
- Tooth Erosion
- Pregnancy Tumors
- Tooth Mobility
- Dental Caries
Important Things to Tell Your Dentist When You’re Pregnant
It’s necessary to tell your dentists as much information as possible to know how best to treat you. Here are some things to disclose to your dentist if you’re pregnant:
- How far along you are in your pregnancy
- If you have a high-risk pregnancy
- If you have noticed any loosening of your teeth, sore gums, redness, or bleeding in your mouth
- Any medications you’re taking
Steps to Keep Your Mouth Healthy During Pregnancy
Here are some simple ways you can help minimize your risk or oral health issues when you’re pregnant:
- Maintain routine care with your dentist, including exams and cleanings
- Uphold good oral hygiene with brushing two times a day and flossing at least once a day
- Eat a well-balanced diet and minimize the consumption of sugary snacks
Can teeth get worse during or after pregnancy?
An old saying that you should expect to lose a tooth for every baby born is more a myth than the truth. Women generally complain that the baby has taken calcium from their teeth and has caused holes in the teeth, which is not valid. Although there can be problems with teeth and gums during pregnancy, a baby taking calcium from their mother’s teeth is far from the truth. A baby can take calcium from their mother’s bones but certainly not from teeth.
It is essential to include calcium-rich foods in your diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding for bone strength. However, be reassured that babies do not draw the calcium out from their teeth, although some teeth problems can happen during pregnancy. So there is an element of truth in the concern but due to primarily different reasons than customarily believed.
The body typically changes during pregnancy, affecting a mother’s oral health. The main differences which can affect oral health are the hormonal changes leading to the worsening of gum response to plaque and can result in gum conditions like :
- Gingivitis (gum inflammation) has swelling gums and bleeding, notably during brushing and flossing between teeth.
- In pregnancy, aggravating pre-existing chronic periodontal disease may worsen untreated
- gum infection and tooth loss.
- Pregnancy epulis or pyogenic granuloma – a localized enlargement of the gum prone to bleeding. Epulis may require additional professional cleaning and rarely excision.
- Reflux or morning sickness leads to erosion of teeth and causes sensitivity.
- Changes in dietary habits and sugar cravings lead to an increased risk of tooth decay.
- Neglect and poor brushing routine due to being occupied with the baby and exhaustion.
- It’s vital to keep up your routine, as poor dental health during pregnancy has been associated with premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, and preeclampsia.
You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you maintain good oral hygiene. Suggestions include:
- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately for an hour after vomiting. The reason is that stomach acids can weaken enamel after vomiting, and the vigorous action of the toothbrush may scratch the tooth enamel.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain tap water.
- Use a fluoridated mouthwash and fluoridated toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth after having sugary snacks.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
The demands of pregnancy can lead to particular dental problems in some women. You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits. With proper dental hygiene at home and professional help from your dentist, your teeth should stay healthy during pregnancy.
Are Dental X-rays Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes! Dental X-rays are safe to have during pregnancy, but there are some other factors you may want to consider as you are planning your dental care during this time. The amount of radiation used in a dental X-ray is skimpy and is not enough to cause any harm to a pregnant woman or her baby. Beyond that, an extra layer of protection makes the process even safer for everyone who needs to have a dental X-ray.
If you’ve had dental X-rays in the past, you probably remember the dentist or hygienist placing a heavy apron over you before turning on the X-ray machine, which is a leaded apron designed to underrate radiation exposure during the X-ray process. The apron is long enough to cover the abdomen, which means a baby is protected during the X-ray process. It might seem like an annoyance or more trouble than it’s worth to wear it for such a short amount of time, but this is one of those situations where it’s better to be safe than regretful. The apron will feel heavy when your dentist or hygienist puts it on, but it is safe to use at all stages of pregnancy. It will only be on you if all goes well for a few minutes.
Some women choose to postpone X-rays until after the first trimester because this is crucial for the baby’s development. This is not medically necessary but may help provide peace of mind. Routine dental X-rays can also be postponed until after the baby is born, but this is not recommended. X-rays are critical to detecting dental issues that could become serious if they are not detected and treated. The last thing you want is to have a new-born baby and a dental emergency on your hands because you could have been addressed something during pregnancy. If you have a dental emergency during pregnancy, you will need X-rays, which is not usually something to be postponed until after birth.
Are There Pregnancy Risks for Tooth Extractions?
The ADA has determined that tooth extractions are safe during pregnancy. If you need an extraction during pregnancy, try to schedule it during your second trimester or after you’ve given birth. During the first trimester, your baby’s vital organs are developing, and you will want to avoid every possible risk, including medicines and antibiotics. The third trimester is also safe. However, it can be uncomfortable to lie on your back for long periods.
Be extra vigilant about your oral health care during pregnancy to avoid unnecessary extractions. If you must have an extraction, consult with your dentist and obstetrician about safe painkillers and antibiotics.
Is Dental Anaesthesia Safe During Pregnancy?
A study published in the American Dental Association (JADA) found that dental treatment with local anaesthetics is safe, including treatments during the first trimester. Researchers found no effects on pregnancy outcomes among women who received local anaesthetics during pregnancy.
The researchers claim that many women delay seeing a dentist while pregnant, even when dental problems occur. It is a crucial time in a woman’s life, and maintaining oral health is directly related to good overall health. Dentists and physicians should encourage pregnant women to maintain their oral health by continuing to receive routine dental care and seeking treatment when problems arise. If you are worried about dental anaesthesia during pregnancy, consult your dentist about the safety of any dental treatment and ask him to use as little anaesthesia as possible, as long as you are comfortable. If you are in pain, you and the baby will be stressed, so request additional numbing when necessary.
Can You Get Dental Fillings During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy may carry an additional risk of dental caries due to morning sickness and the increased acidity in the mouth, cravings for sugary snacks, and decreased attention on oral health. Compounding the problem, some women put off dental care due to worries about pregnancy. It is natural to be worried about getting dental fillings during pregnancy. Dental amalgams used in “silver fillings” contain mercury and pose a small risk to the baby. Discuss potential amalgams and their risks with your dentist if you need a filling. They may recommend a temporary filling or filling with a different amalgam. During pregnancy, listen to your dentist on what teeth fillings can be safe for you and your baby.
Despite these risks, treating dental problems during pregnancy is safer than waiting. The risks of not treating an infection or other dental problem are significant to the mother and child. Tell your dentist when pregnant and trust them to recommend the safest treatments.
Can I get Dental Cleaning While I’m Pregnant?
Dental cleanings during pregnancy are not only safe but are also encouraged. Pregnancy gingivitis is a common problem during pregnancy and can be prevented or treated by regular dental cleanings. Signs of gingivitis include:
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Red puffy gums
- Tenderness when brushing or flossing
But don’t wait until signs of infection are present; schedule an extra dental cleaning during your second trimester. Pregnancy hormones, increased blood flow, and mouth irritation due to morning sickness all-cause gum irritation and “pregnancy gingivitis.” In some cases, inflammation and infections can spread, causing additional risks. Most dentists agree that an extra dental cleaning during pregnancy is a reasonable precaution against pregnancy gingivitis and its associated risks.
Should I Follow Up with My Dentist After I Give Birth?
Your teeth and gums go through changes during pregnancy and following birth, just as your body does. It is good to follow up with your dentist after you give birth. At this time, any treatments that have been postponed can be finished, and your dentist can assess the health of your teeth and gum.
A follow-up with your dentist can happen shortly after birth, after you’ve recovered, and should be scheduled no later than your bi-annually check-up. For your child’s dental health, a visit to the dentist should occur as soon as their first tooth comes through but no later than their first birthday.
Gum Disease and Premature Birth
At least a couple of significant studies have shown a link between gum disease and premature birth. Researchers of one study found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums. Mothers with the most severe periodontal disease delivered the most prematurely at 32 weeks. It’s unclear whether treating gum disease reduces the risk of preterm birth.
Pregnancy Tumors in Mouth
Sometimes a large lump with deep red pinpoint markings forms on inflamed gum tissue, usually near the upper gum line. The red lump glistens, may bleed and crust over, and can make eating and speaking difficult and cause discomfort. These growths are called pregnancy tumours and can occur during pregnancy, although they usually occur during the second trimester.
Don’t let the word “tumour” worry you. These growths are not cancerous and can’t spread. A pregnancy tumour is an extreme inflammatory reaction to a local irritation (such as food particles or plaque). The Tumors occur in up to 10% of pregnant women and often in women who also have pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy Tumors are also known as pyogenic granuloma, granuloma of pregnancy, lobular capillary haemangioma, and pregnancy epulides. Pregnancy tumours usually disappear on their own after the baby’s birth. However, if the tumour interferes with eating, your dentist or a specialist may choose to remove it, involving a simple procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Even if the tumour is removed during pregnancy, it redevelops half of the cases.
Does a root canal affect pregnancy?
If tooth decay reaches the inside of your tooth where the nerve endings are, this can be extremely painful. Root canal treatment can stop the pain by removing the infected tissue and restoring the tooth with a natural-looking crown, so the tooth would not need to be extracted.
If you have a dental emergency, a root canal can be performed at any stage of pregnancy and shouldn’t be delayed. However, because x-rays are involved, the ideal time for dental surgery is during the second trimester.
Can I whiten my teeth while pregnant?
Teeth whitening can be performed during pregnancy, but your dentist may recommend waiting until after the birth for most non-emergency dental treatments.
Teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments should ideally be avoided during the third trimester in particular, as you may find it uncomfortable to lie still while the whitening gel is applied and cured.
If you’re using a home teeth whitening kit, you should make sure that you check that the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is no more than six percent. Higher concentrations can potentially cause tissue damage unless applied by a professional.
Can I have orthodontic treatment while pregnant?
If you are already undergoing orthodontic treatment, you shouldn’t stop just because you are pregnant. You can even have new braces fitted during your pregnancy, although your dentist or orthodontist may recommend that you wait until after the birth, as there can sometimes be complications. Getting braces requires x-rays, which your dentist might want to avoid during the first trimester. If your face and mouth change shape when you gain weight during your pregnancy, this could mean that your braces need to be adjusted or that new impressions need to be made of your teeth to create a new set of aligners. These changes can increase the overall cost.
Some women experience gums and other facial tissues during pregnancy, sometimes irritating brace wires, and brackets. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide safe gels to help numb the pain, or you may prefer removable plastic aligners if you only need to fix a minor orthodontic issue.
How can I avoid dental treatments?
If you already follow a good oral hygiene routine, it’s less likely you’ll need to correct dental problems during your pregnancy. As well as regular brushing and flossing, you should try to avoid acting on unhealthy cravings and make sure you keep up with your regular dental check-ups.
You should also avoid brushing your teeth straight after morning sickness, as this can damage the enamel surface of your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and brush after waiting 30 minutes.
7 common questions about dental care during pregnancy:
Q1. If I need oral surgery or a procedure, what types of anaesthetics are safe?
Local anaesthetics such as bupivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine are safe during pregnancy. If your dental provider feels something more potent is necessary, discuss it in advance with your Ob/Gyn or certified nurse-midwife.
Q2. Which antibiotics can I take to prevent or treat a tooth infection?
Penicillin and amoxicillin are safe choices during pregnancy, as are cephalosporins, such as cephalexin. Avoid tetracycline because it can cause tooth staining in the foetus.
Q3. What can I take for pain control after a dental procedure?
In combination with a narcotic drug, such as codeine or hydrocodone, Acetaminophen is commonly prescribed and is safe during pregnancy. We encourage patients to use as short a course of such drugs as following possible procedures to reduce the risk of opioid dependency. Doctors should counsel their patients for transition to non-narcotic pain relievers, such as plain acetaminophen, as soon as possible. Dentists should not prescribe a 30-day supply of any opioid drug. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are not recommended during pregnancy.
Q4. What about dental care after the baby is born?
After childbirth, continuing with your dental care and your baby’s is vital. Continue brushing your teeth regularly and purchasing an infant toothbrush and toothpaste without fluoride to keep the baby’s gums and budding teeth healthy. We also advise new parents to avoid putting babies to bed with bottles because it can lead to tooth decay.
Schedule your baby’s first dentist appointment at six months or when the first tooth comes in. The dentist will check for tongue-tie and other oral issues that delay speech and other functions. Also, seeing a dentist regularly will help the baby get used to it and potentially reduce the fear of seeing a dentist later in life. Good dental health is key to overall wellness, and pregnancy is an optimal time to establish healthy habits. If you’re concerned about an upcoming trip to the dentist during pregnancy, call your Ob/Gyn for recommendations and clarification.
Q5. How to manage the morning sickness during Pregnancy?
If morning sickness keeps you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands.
Rinse your mouth out with water or a mouth rinse if you suffer from morning sickness and have bouts of frequent vomiting.
Q6. What should you eat for your teeth and baby?
Avoid sugary snacks. Sweet cravings are common during pregnancy. However, keep in mind that the more frequently you snack, the greater the chance of developing tooth decay.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are suitable for babies’ developing teeth, gums, and bones.
Pregnancy and Dental Work
Is Having Dental Work While Pregnancy Safe?
Pregnancy and dental work questions are common for expecting moms. Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are safe and recommended. The rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food, causing increased irritation to your gums. While pregnant, preventive dental work is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease linked to preterm birth.
Toothaches in pregnancy and other dental needs
Dental work while pregnant, such as cavity fillings and crowns, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal. Once you reach the third trimester, it may be challenging to lie on your back for an extended time.
However, sometimes emergency dental work, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, is necessary. Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until birth. It is best to avoid this dental work while pregnant and avoid exposing the developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal.
Bottom line
Proper oral hygiene is the key to attaining healthy teeth and gums. Even though oral health is compromised due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, you can prevent its side effects with an excellent oral hygiene routine and a healthy diet.
Pregnancy changes your mouth. When you’re pregnant, changes in your hormone levels can increase your chance of developing gum disease and other dental concerns. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to stay in regular contact with and schedule regular cleanings and exams with your dentist when pregnant.
Routine dental work is one thing. But, can you safely undergo a tooth extraction during pregnancy? As far as the American Dental Association and other health agencies are concerned, the answer is yes. Many people are concerned that tooth extraction when pregnant has to do with outdated thinking about providing pregnant women’s dental care. As The New York Times points out, many dentists used to be taught that it wasn’t safe to treat pregnant women and would refuse treatment to women who needed it, no matter how severe the dental problem became.
When you get to the third trimester, you might find it very uncomfortable to lie back or recline while pulling the tooth. You can also have dental work performed in the first trimester, and the pregnancies examined in JADA’s study all received local anaesthesia during the first trimester.
Of course, if you have a true dental emergency and the tooth needs to come out ASAP, it doesn’t matter which trimester you are in. Removing an infected or otherwise severely damaged tooth as soon as possible is better for you and the baby than leaving it to fester in the mouth.
Whether it’s having a tooth pulled, a root canal, or just a routine cleaning, it’s crucial for your baby’s health not to ignore your teeth and gums during pregnancy. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist, make an appointment today with Oberoi Dental Clinic. While you’re at it, don’t forget to practice excellent oral care to keep your teeth and gums clean between appointments.
Oberoi Dental Clinic wishes and prays for your healthy baby and your healthy gums!