Should You Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy?
Posted on: 15 August 2017
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There are so many dos and don't when it comes to being pregnant that you might be confused about exactly what you can and can't do when it comes to your oral health. Should you visit the dentist while you're pregnant? The answer is a little complicated. Routine appointments and professional cleanings are completely safe during pregnancy and help keep you and your baby healthy. More complex dental procedures are often better off postponed, however, and cosmetic work should always wait until after your baby is born. Read on for all the details on seeing the dentist while you're pregnant.
Hormones Can Cause Gum Problems
Hormones can affect all sorts of unexpected things during pregnancy, and your gums are no exception. You might notice soreness, bleeding and swelling, all of which make it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly. Food particles are more likely to become trapped, which can increase your risk of gum disease. For this reason, it's important to see your dentist for checkups and professional cleaning throughout your pregnancy. They'll be able to remove any trapped food particles, check the general state of your oral health, and advise you on how best to care for your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Gum disease has been linked to premature births, so it's important to do everything can to avoid it.
Emergency Dental Procedures Are Sometimes Necessary
In most cases, dental procedures should be postponed until after you've given birth. However, treatment might be necessary if you suffer a dental emergency like a missing tooth, or if you urgently need a root canal or tooth extraction to be carried out. In general, most work should be carried out during the second trimester of your pregnancy. In the third trimester, it might not be practical or comfortable to lie down for long periods of time, which can make treatment difficult.
Cosmetic Work Should Be Postponed
Any non-essential dental work should be postponed until after your baby is born to reduce the risk of any issues or complications. This means that cosmetic treatments like laser tooth whitening and bleaching will have to wait. If you're planning to get braces and your X-rays were carried out before you got pregnant, it's safe to continue orthodontic treatment if you wish. If you have any concerns, be sure to ask a dentist at an office like Melrose Dental for advice.
Don't know what to do about the dentist while you're pregnant? Keep attending your regular checkups, avoid any non-essential dental work, and ask your dentist for help and advice if you have any issues.