Pregnant While Visiting the Dentist? Things to be Aware of
Pregnancy is a special period for any woman, packed with many physical, psychological and emotional changes that can greatly impact health. Several studies show that pregnant women experience unique challenges in oral care and are more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. So what exactly happens?
As a woman goes through pregnancy, several changes occur that may impact their oral health. Firstly, most women change their diet. On average, pregnant women eat more frequently. Furthermore, they develop unique cravings due to hormonal changes. As a result, pregnant women may consume a lot more sugary and acidic foods. Secondly, some women develop hyperemesis (excessive vomiting), especially in the first trimester, which can damage teeth. Lastly, studies show that pregnant women have higher acidity in their oral cavities, which leaves them vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also come with its share of challenges. One of those challenges is maintaining good dental health. Dental care is important during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about dental care during pregnancy and how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Since pregnancy is a highly individualised experience, a dental visit is quite different for a pregnant woman. This begs the question, should I be concerned about visiting the dentist if I am pregnant? There are many things that you must have to aware about the things. Here we have mentioned most important factors related to pregnancy.
Why Dental Care is Important During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect your oral health. Increased levels of progesterone can lead to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which causes swollen, bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss. Pregnancy can also increase the risk of tooth decay, as changes in diet and oral hygiene habits can lead to the buildup of bacteria on teeth.
Maintaining good dental health during pregnancy is important not only for your own health but also for the health of your baby. Studies have shown that gum disease during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
Disclose you pregnancy
You must disclose that you are pregnant when you get to the dentist. This information will guide your dentist’s approach to your care since there are several unique considerations for pregnant patients. Furthermore, your dentist will refine management plans to accommodate your pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant and need to visit the dentist, it’s important to let your dentist know about your pregnancy. This information is important because certain dental procedures and medications may not be safe for pregnant women.
Non-essential dental treatments
Dentists recommend pregnant patients postpone all non-essential dental procedures until after pregnancy. Most procedures carry some risks, which significantly increase if the patient is pregnant. Nonetheless, emergency or essential interventions can (and should) still be made.
Non-essential dental treatments that can be postponed until after delivery include cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, and elective procedures such as braces or other orthodontic treatments. However, if you have a dental emergency or pain, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible, as untreated dental issues can lead to infections and other complications.
X-rays
Dental x-rays are a popular imaging tool used to analyse dentition and visualise cavities. Although they are generally safe, special considerations are made to ensure no harm befalls the pregnancy. Patients always wear a lead apron to cover their abdomen and thyroid gland, preventing exposure to radiation. Furthermore, x-rays are avoided in the first trimester unless it’s necessary.
Anesthesia
Many dental procedures require a form of anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia is used safely in pregnancy. However, general anaesthesia is generally avoided unless it’s necessary. Unlike local anaesthesia, general anaesthesia can cross the placenta and also interfere with placental blood flow.
Medication
It’s important to let your dentist know which drugs you are on. This will inform their treatment plan to avoid drug-to-drug interaction. Furthermore, pregnancy affects the pharmacology of drugs, necessitating dose readjustments. Drug safety in pregnancy also follows special considerations. Therefore, dentists also take a thorough look at drug history to optimise treatment.
Dental cleaning
Professional dental cleaning is highly recommended during pregnancy. It’s completely safe and effective in maintaining optimal oral health. Since pregnant women are more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease, professional cleaning should be done more frequently. Most people combine their cleaning sessions with tooth whitening procedures which are also safe during pregnancy.
Oral hygiene
There is a lot that works against pregnant women when it comes to oral health. Hormonal, dietary and other physiological changes leave them vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, it’s essential to strictly follow the right dental hygiene practices to maintain optimal oral health. These include:
- Brushing
- Flossing
If you are pregnant, you ought to follow the general recommendations for brushing. These include brushing your teeth at least twice daily, using fluorinated toothpaste and using a good toothbrush. You should spend at least 2 minutes brushing.
Flossing clears food debris from areas your toothbrush cannot reach. It’s the perfect adjunct to brushing and a safe option for pregnant women. Therefore, dentists recommend flossing once a day for good results.
All in all, pregnant women require special consideration when it comes to oral health. Although there is little difference in the general procedures, it’s important to consider the precautions and extra care required.
In conclusion, being pregnant while visiting the dentist requires some extra awareness and caution. It is important to inform your dentist of your pregnancy and any changes in your health status, and to be aware of which dental treatments are safe during pregnancy.
While some non-essential treatments can be postponed, it is important to maintain good oral health and seek treatment for any emergencies or pain. By working with your dentist to prioritize your safety and the health of your developing baby, you can ensure that your dental visits during pregnancy are both comfortable and beneficial for you and your baby.
