
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 very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time.
Why is it important to see a dentist during pregnancy?
Why Is It Important To Visit A Dentist During Pregnancy? Don’t miss a routine dental checkup simply because you are pregnant. Regular exams are very important, now more than ever! Hormonal changes during pregnancy greatly increase the risk for periodontal disease and tender gums.
What are the most common dental problems during pregnancy?
These are the common signs of a dental problem that you may come across during pregnancy:
- Sore gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Mouth sores
- A toothache
Is it safe to go to the dentist during pregnancy?
Yes. Seeing the dentist during pregnancy every six months as usual is important so you can keep your mouth clean and (fingers crossed) cavity-free. Go to your regular twice-a-year appointments, and if your dentist recommends X-rays, don't worry: Dental X-rays are completely safe during pregnancy.
How important is dental care during pregnancy?
Dental Care During Pregnancy. Dental care during pregnancy is extremely important. From keeping up with daily oral hygiene, to monitoring changes in young mouth, the more in-tune you are with your oral health the healthier your baby will be. The Importance of Seeing Your Dentist During Pregnancy

What dental procedures should be avoided during pregnancy?
It is safe to perform routine dental treatment in the early part of the third trimester, but from the middle of the third trimester routine dental treatment should be avoided. The recommendations are: Oral hygiene instruction, and plaque control. Scaling, polishing, and curettage may be performed if necessary.
Is it safe to have dental work done while pregnant?
Most dental services and procedures, including dental x-rays, tooth extractions, dental fillings, and dental cleanings, can be done during pregnancy safely, with tooth extractions recommended during your second or third trimester. Fillings should be discussed with your dentist beforehand.
Do I need to tell the dentist Im pregnant?
Dental Care While Pregnant. Tell your dentist (and doctor) if you are pregnant. Routine dental care can be done any time during pregnancy. Any urgent procedure can be done, as well.
Can you get a tooth xray when pregnant?
The amount of radiation used in a dental X-ray is very low and, according to both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association, is not enough to cause any harm to a pregnant woman or her baby.
How to get pregnant while on dental work?
Suggestions for addressing your pregnancy and dental work needs: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends pregnant women eat a balanced diet , brush their teeth thoroughly with ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily. Have preventive exams and cleanings during your pregnancy. Let your dentist know you are pregnant.
Why do dentists need antibiotics?
Also, the more comfortable you are, the easier it is for the anesthesia to work. Dental work often requires antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labeled category B for safety in pregnancy, ...
How to keep a baby comfortable after delivery?
Maintain healthy circulation by keeping your legs uncrossed while you sit in the dentist’s chair. Take a pillow to help keep you and the baby more comfortable. Bring headphones and some favorite music.
Does Lidocaine cross the placenta?
Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work. Lidocaine (Category B) does cross the placenta after administration.
Can you have a toothache while pregnant?
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 very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time.
Can you have teeth whitening while pregnant?
Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the 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.
Is it safe to have a dental xray while pregnant?
According to the ADA and ACOG, having dental X-rays during your pregnancy is considered safe with appropriate shielding. Some women may elect to avoid dental work during the first trimester knowing this is the most vulnerable time of development. However, there is no evidence suggesting harm to the baby for those electing to visit ...
How to treat a toothache during pregnancy?
Treatments may include antibiotics and excision of affected tissue . Managing Morning Sickness. If morning sickness is keeping you from brushing your teeth, change to a bland-tasting toothpaste during pregnancy. Ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend brands.
How to prevent tooth decay while pregnant?
Eating Right 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.
Why is it important to have a regular dental exam?
Now more than any other time, regular exams are important because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal disease and for tender gums that bleed easily, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Forty percent of women will develop gingivitis sometime during their pregnancy.
What to do if your gums are bleeding while pregnant?
Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding, or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, talk with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
What is a tumor in pregnancy?
A pregnancy tumor 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.
When do babies start to develop teeth?
Your baby 's first teeth begin to develop about 3 months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are a good source of these essential minerals and are good for baby's developing teeth, gums, and bones. Gum Disease and Premature Birth.
Can pregnancy tumors spread?
Don't let the word ''tumor'' worry you. These growths are not cancerous and can't spread.
When can I get dental treatment while pregnant?
Dental treatment can be done at any time during pregnancy. However, the best time to perform elective dental treatment during pregnancy is in the second trimester, weeks 14 through 20. Keep in mind that if you have a dental infection or swelling, you might need immediate treatment.
Can you remove mercury fillings while pregnant?
Removing or replacing existing fillings that contain mercury and are in good condition isn't recommended, however, unless medically necessary. The removal process might cause a temporary increase in exposure to mercury vapor. If you have questions or concerns about dental care during pregnancy, talk to your health care provider. With.
Why do teeth get sensitive in the first trimester?
Increase in Teeth Sensitivity: Due to Morning sickness or Hyperemesis gravidarum during the 1st trimester the gastric contents exposure to teeth leads to Dental Erosion which is the cause of increased Sensitivity. Due to Morning sickness it is best not to give early morning appointments to Pregnant women in their 1st Trimester.
Why do my gums swell during pregnancy?
What is Swelling in the Gums or Pregnancy Granuloma during Pregnancy? Due to the increase in production of Oestrogen Progestron and Cortisol which is a steroid results in the formation of a lump on the Gums called as Pregnancy Granuloma . This is mostly seen in the 1st Trimester.
What to do during the second trimester?
Dental Treatments during 2nd Trimester: 1 Emphasis on Oral Hygiene maintenance and plaque control should be done. 2 Scaling, Curettage wherever necessary should be done. 3 Elective Dental procedures can be performed.
When is the best time to get a dental implant?
But the best time to perform elective dental treatment is the Second trimester – between 14th to 20th Week.
Do dentists check on pregnant women?
Dental Associations and Gynecologists and Pediatricians all prefer Pregnant Women get a Dental Check up done during their pregnancy. There are certain specific Doubts or Questions which arise in the minds of Pregnant Women regarding Dental Visits during their pregnancy.
Is it safe to give radiation to a fetus?
Radiation below 25 rads or 250 mGy is safe and does not cause spontaneous abortion. Radiation above 50 rads or 500 mGy can lead to congenital fetal abnormalities. After 16th week of conception – Radiation dose of 50 to 70 rads is considered the Safety Threshold.
Is it safe to generalize during the 3rd trimester?
During the three Trimesters there are risks to the Fetus from Prolonged Stress and Strain of Dental Treatments, so it is best to not Generalize every pregnant patient that walks into your clinic but to see each one with their complications and act accordingly.
Why is it so hard to brush your teeth while pregnant?
Pregnant patients might have a hard time brushing due to a strong gag reflex. Patients can try using a smaller toothbrush or using different flavors of toothpaste to make brushing easier. 2. I’m in my second trimester of pregnancy.
Why do babies need to see a dentist?
The dentist will check for tongue-tie and other oral issues that can 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.
What to do after a baby is born?
What about dental care after the baby is born? After childbirth, continuing with your own dental care and your baby’s is very important. Continue brushing your teeth regularly and purchase an infant toothbrush and infant toothpaste without fluoride to keep the baby’s gums and budding teeth healthy.
Is it safe to get dental treatment during pregnancy?
Treatment during every trimester is safe. However, the second trimester is the safest trimester in which to get dental treatment. The third trimester is safe, but the patient might have a hard time laying back for extended period of time. For the most part, there is no medical need to defer most common dental treatments until after pregnancy.
Is it safe to go to the dentist while pregnant?
For the vast majority of women, going to the dentist for routine care is safe during pregnancy. It’s an old wives’ tale that going to the dentist while pregnant is risky for developing babies and moms-to-be. In fact, just the opposite is true – good dental hygiene is part of a healthy lifestyle for everyone. The mouth is a major gateway ...
Is it safe to take lidocaine while pregnant?
Local anesthetics such as bupivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine are safe during pregnancy. If your dental provider feels something stronger is necessary, discuss it in advance with your Ob/Gyn or certified nurse midwife.
Is acetaminophen safe for pregnancy?
Acetaminophen in combination with a narcotic drug, such as codeine or hydrocodone, is commonly prescribed and is safe during pregnancy. We encourage patients to use as short a course of such drugs as possible following procedures to reduce the risk of opioid dependency.
Why is oral health important during pregnancy?
Oral health may be considered an important part of prenatal care, given that poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to poor health outcomes for the mother and baby. Protect Tiny Teeth. includes a mix of attention-grabbing materials to spark awareness that oral health should be part of prenatal care, and tips on how pregnant women ...
Who is responsible for protecting tiny teeth?
Through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics worked to create Protect Tiny Teeth.
Is oral health part of prenatal care?
includes a mix of attention-grabbing materials to spark awareness that oral health should be part of prenatal care, and tips on how pregnant women and new moms can protect their oral health and the oral health of their infants.
Can periodontal disease cause low birth weight?
Teeth with little bone support can become loose and may eventually have to be extracted. Periodontitis has also been associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. 2 However, how periodontitis may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes is not yet fully understood. A mother’s oral health status is ...

Toothaches in Pregnancy and Other Dental Needs
What About The medications?
- Currently, there are conflicting studies about possible adverse effects on the developing baby from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work. Lidocaine (Category B)does cross the placenta after administration. If dental work is needed, the amount of anesthesia administered should be as little as possible, but still enough t…
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
- Routine x-rays, typically taken during annual exams, can usually be postponed until after the birth. X-rays are necessary to perform many dental procedures, especially emergencies. 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. According to the ADA and AC…