Pregnancy & Dental Work

May 16, 2011
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Pregnancy   Technology  

Expecting?  Congratulations!  As a mom-to-be you should pay special attention to your health - including proper oral hygiene. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase the risk of gum disease and can affect the health of your developing baby. To help prevent problems, make sure you keep regular dental visits as an important part of your prenatal “to do” list.

While you may want to avoid major dental procedures or dental reconstruction until after the baby is born, many routine procedures can be safely performed during pregnancy, including cleanings, fillings and crowns, extractions, gum treatment and continuation of orthodontic treatment.  At Grove, our dentists will coordinate any necessary treatment with your physician.

At Grove, we recommend that regular preventative X-rays be postponed until after delivery.  Only in the case of a dental emergency when accurate diagnosis and treatment is essential, would X-rays be recommended. If X-rays are necessary, our doctors will use extreme caution to safeguard the health of you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.

The American Pregnancy Association suggests the following tips for handling dental needs during pregnancy:

  • Let your dentist know you are pregnant
  • Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet
  • Brush teeth thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily
  • Maintain preventive exams and cleanings with your dentist during your pregnancy
  • If possible, postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester or until after delivery
  • Elective procedures should be postponed until after the delivery
  • When sitting in the dentist’s chair, maintain healthy circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed
  • Use a pillow at your appointments to help keep you and the baby more comfortable

Ideally, scheduling a dental exam before pregnancy is the best way to treat any dental problems ahead of time.  Routine dental visits and cleanings are perfectly safe and recommended during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, let us know so we can ensure the optimal health for you and your baby. Our Grove dentists will work with you throughout your entire pregnancy to help you understand preventive care and treatment.  We’re also here to help you when your baby starts to cut his/her first tooth!

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