dentist treatment when 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. All elective dental procedures, however, should be postponed until after the delivery.

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What are the most common dental problems during pregnancy?

Apr 13, 2021 · If there is a need for dental treatment for a pregnant woman, the doctor must make sure that nothing threatens the health of the mother and the unborn child. For a comfortable (painless) and safe treatment, a new generation of pain relievers is used. These include lidocaine, ultracaine, scandonest.

Why is dental care matters so much in pregnancy?

Feb 26, 2013 · The recommendations are: Educate the patient about maternal oral changes during pregnancy. Emphasize strict oral hygiene instructions and thereby plaque control. Limit dental treatment to periodontal prophylaxis and emergency treatments only. Avoid routine radiographs. Use selectively and when ...

How important is dental care during pregnancy?

Treatment of Pregnancy Granuloma is Excision if the size of the lesion is larger than >2cm or if you see that it is infected. The types of excision are Laser excision which is the preferred option as it minimizes bleeding and improves healing. If it is below >2cm in size Plaque control, scaling and curettage are the best options to avoid infection.

Why is it important to see a dentist during pregnancy?

Jun 01, 2017 · Key Points Preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy. Local anesthetics with epinephrine (e.g., bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine) may be used during pregnancy. Special considerations should be given to pregnant dental personnel whose job duties can ...

Can I do teeth treatment during pregnancy?

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.

Is it safe to go to dentist while pregnant?

Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important for your dental health. Not only can you take care of cleanings and procedures like cavity fillings before your baby is born, but your dentist can help you with any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you might be experiencing.

Can dental treatment affect 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.Jul 31, 2018

Why first trimester is not safe for dental treatment?

Pregnancy may carry an additional risk of dental carries due to morning sickness and the increased acidity in the mouth, cravings for sugary snacks, and decreased attention on oral health. Compounding the problem, some women put off dental care due to worries about the pregnancy.Mar 25, 2019

Can you get dental xrays while pregnant?

Yes! Dental X-rays are safe to have during pregnancy, but there are some other factors you may want to consider as you are planning your dental care during this time.Jul 25, 2018

What happens if you have a tooth infection while pregnant?

Infection – A deep cavity that leads to an abscess can affect not only your health, but that of the baby, especially if the pain is severe enough to cause significant stress. Also, the inflammation and resulting fever can cause stress in the growing fetus.Nov 26, 2017

Can a tooth infection cause a miscarriage?

Brief Summary: Oral infections can trigger the production of pro-inflammatory mediators that may be risk factors for miscarriage.

Do your teeth get worse after pregnancy?

There is an old saying that you should expect to lose a tooth for every baby born which is more a myth than the truth. Women generally complain that the baby has taken calcium from their teeth and has caused holes in the teeth. This is not true.Jun 17, 2020

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.

What antibiotics are labeled B?

Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, which are labeled category B for safety in pregnancy, maybe prescribed after your procedure.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

What is the best way to avoid infection?

If it is below >2cm in size Plaque control, scaling and curettage are the best options to avoid infection.

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.

What does dry mouth mean?

Decrease in Saliva Production ( Dry Mouth )- Seen during 1st and 3rd Trimesters of Pregnancy. This lead s to Dry mouth which in turn results in increased cariogenic activity due to the reduced buffering capacity of Saliva. It can also lead to Fungal infections such as Oral Candidiasis which can be treated with topical antifungal gels.

When should radiography be avoided?

Let us look at the stages in which Radiography should be avoided and when they can be taken. Biological Response to Radiation is seen during the first two weeks of 1st Trimester (up to 6th week). During the first trimester –. Radiation below 25 rads or 250 mGy is safe and does not cause spontaneous abortion.

How to stop bleeding gums while pregnant?

Women who are pregnant and are complaining of of bleeding gums can try the following at home to reduce their gum inflammation: 1 Brush and floss daily 2 Add more Vitamin C and Vitamin A to their diet 3 Gargle with salt water one a day

Why do pregnant women get swollen gums?

Pregnancy gingivitis ( 3) is a dental condition where a pregnant woman may get swollen and infected gums, due to inadequate oral care and hormonal changes as a result of the pregnancy.

Can you take antibiotics while pregnant?

Some pregnant women may need to take medicines and antibiotics as part of their dental treatment, however; some of these drugs may be harmful to the baby. It’s important to consult your physician before you take any sort of medicine.

Do dental x-rays work?

Unlike conventional full body x-ray machines, modern dental x-rays are now used almost routinely in the dental clinic. Their design has become so advanced that their side effect for a radiation exposure is almost insignificant.

Is it important to have good oral hygiene while pregnant?

In general, it’s still important for a pregnant woman to ensure adequate oral hygiene like anybody else. A small dental problem that’s ignored may develop into something much more complex and require even more medicine and medical treatment.

Is it normal to feel dizzy at the dentist?

It’s completely normal for a pregnant woman to feel dizzy or tired at the dentist. In addition to the expected nausea accompanied with pregnancy, the posture of the dental seat and anxiety from the dental procedure may lead to dizziness and and even fainting.

Can pregnant women have dental anaesthesia?

A pregnant woman requiring dental care will also most probably require anaesthetic. The most common local anaesthetic used in dentistry today is Lidocaine. Fortunately, Lidocaine is labelled as a Category B drug by the FDA, which means that it can be safely administered to pregnant women ( 8)

What to do if you are vomiting while pregnant?

If you experience vomiting during pregnancy, protect your teeth by rinsing with a solution of water plus one teaspoon of baking soda. And if morning sickness makes you want to retch when brushing, ask your dentist for a bland-tasting toothpaste. Q.

What is the advertising policy for gum disease?

Advertising Policy. Intrauterine growth restriction, which is when the unborn baby doesn’t grow as expected. Preeclampsia during pregnancy, which often results in pre-term births. We believe that gum disease results in bacteria getting into your bloodstream and causing an inflammatory response in the body.

What are the complications of periodontal disease?

A. Severe periodontal disease can result in potential complications to your pregnancy. Many studies link periodontal disease to: 1 Intrauterine growth restriction, which is when the unborn baby doesn’t grow as expected. 2 Preeclampsia during pregnancy, which often results in pre-term births.

Is it safe to get an X-ray while pregnant?

Routine care: If you’re getting an X-ray, let your dentist know you’re pregnant. They will use a lead apron to protect your developing fetus and your thyroid. Fillings or extractions: There is no risk to these procedures. Local anesthetics are safe in pregnancy.

Is it safe to do dental work while pregnant?

Local anesthetics are safe in pregnancy. Considerable dental work: It’s probably best to do it in the second or third trimester when you aren’t experiencing as much nausea, vomiting or gag reflex. Q.

Can you have gum surgery while pregnant?

It’s perfectly fine to have gum surgery or other major dental work performed during pregnancy. Just alert your dentist so they can choose an antibiotic that is safe during pregnancy. Dentists will avoid prescribing tetracycline, which can stain your fetus’s teeth. Q.

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 does it mean when you have a lump in your mouth?

Pregnancy Tumors in Mouth. Sometimes a large lump with deep red pinpoint markings on it forms on inflamed gum tissue, usually near the upper gum line. The red lump glistens, may bleed and crust over, and can make eating and speaking difficult and cause discomfort.

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.

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.

Is it important to take care of your teeth while pregnant?

Johnson, MD on March 05, 2020. It's important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while you're pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that boost the risk of developing gum disease which, in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.

Toothaches in Pregnancy and Other Dental Needs

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What About The medications?

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?