Safe Dental Care Practices During Pregnancy

Dental care during pregnancy is just as important, if not more so, than at any other time in your life. Your body undergoes a great deal of changes during pregnancy, and they impact every part of you--your mouth and teeth are no exception. By being upfront with your dentist about your pregnancy (even before you make the announcement to friends and family) you can ensure that you get the right dental care during pregnancy.

Schedule your routine cleanings and check-ups.
It's important to schedule and keep your appointments for regular cleanings and check-ups during pregnancy. This allows the dentist to monitor your gums and teeth for signs of decay or cavities, which could lead to infection if untreated. Other than brushing and flossing daily, scheduling regular cleanings as usual is the single most important thing you can do for your dental health during pregnancy.

Strive for most procedures during your second trimester.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, the safest time for dental treatments is during your second trimester. Strive to schedule most of your appointments during this time frame, when possible. If not, contact your dentist to gather information on their practices and suggestions.

Postpone unnecessary dental work until after delivery.
If your dentist recommends optional procedures during pregnancy, you are best to postpone them until after delivery. Especially in late pregnancy, it may be uncomfortable to sit or recline for long periods of time as you would for a dental appointment. In addition, you may be concerned about certain antibiotics, anesthetics, and other medications prescribed for after a dental treatment, though Dr. Spock notes that many can be completely safe when used appropriately. In general, it's best to err on the side of caution and postpone voluntary dental treatments until after the birth of baby.

Use x-rays with caution.
Most women opt out of x-rays when pregnant, and many dentists agree with this decision. However, the American Pregnancy Association notes that x-rays may be necessitated in emergency dental treatments. If this is the case, "according to the American College of Radiology, no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus." However, always be sure to advise your dentist that you are pregnant, and skip the routine x-rays until after baby is born.

By being upfront with your dentist about your pregnancy (even before you make the announcement to friends and family) you can ensure that you get the right dental care during pregnancy.

Sources:
American Pregnancy Association; Dental Work During Pregnancy; http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/dentalwork.html

Dr. Spock; Dental Medications: Which are safe in pregnancy?; http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5124,00.html