Dental care does not need to stop because you are pregnant. You should take better care of not only your physical health but your overall health as well. When you are pregnant, you are more susceptible to diseases and are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, among other issues.
Unfortunately, many people still believe that visiting a dentist while pregnant can harm you or your baby. The truth is, you need to go to the dentist when pregnant, YOU SHOULD! Ignoring your dental health because you are pregnant may result in other complicated issues, which may negatively affect your health, and your baby as well.
With frequent cravings and hormonal changes, it is advisable to visit the dentist at least twice a year, just like you would if you were not pregnant. Sometimes, the condition of your oral health may dictate that you go more than twice. And that is safe for you and your baby.
Visit a dentist who cares about anxious patients, as they will teach you the best oral practices to follow.
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Are x-Rays Safe?
One of the most common questions pregnant women ask is if e-rays are safe during pregnancy. The truth is, modern dental x-rays utilize low doses of radiation, which are not strong enough to have adverse effects on your pregnancy.
Your dentist should ensure that your baby is well shielded from any radiation using a thyroid guard or lead apron.
Although x-rays are safe, professional dentists advise that you avoid them during the first trimester, especially during a usual routine check-up. In case of a dental emergency, your dentist needs to advise you on the measures to take to keep both you and your baby safe.
Can I Have an Anesthetic?
If the doctor needs to perform a dental procedure while pregnant, an anesthetic can still get used to numb and reduce the pain. Inform your dentist about your pregnancy and how far you are so they can suggest the best suited for that particular season.
Some chemicals in aesthetics such as felypressin constrict blood vessels, making it unsafe at this point. Ensure to ask your dentist any questions and concerns you may have before getting the anesthesia. A professional practitioner should consider using the lowest concentration of this. That will help you not to worry about the safety of your baby. When you are unstressed, your baby will be more comfortable.
Does a Root Canal Affect Pregnancy?
If you experience tooth decay that reaches where the nerve endings are, this can be excruciatingly painful. However, a root canal eliminates the pain through getting rid of the infected tissue. And replacing the tooth with a crown. It keeps the teeth from getting extracted.
If you have a dental emergency while pregnant, a root canal can happen at any time to keep you from pain and discomfort. Since x-rays get used during this procedure, the ideal time to have a root canal is during the second trimester.
Can I Get an Extraction When Pregnant?
While extraction is the last resort for dentists who want you to keep your teeth, a badly damaged tooth may need to get removed. When your tooth is severely injured or damaged by decay, it could lead to oral health risks and other complications.
Tooth removal can take place at any time during pregnancy. But dentists recommend that it gets during the second trimester since it is necessary to avoid x-rays in the first trimester when the baby is still too young and developing.
Again, during the third trimester, you are most tired and will not feel comfortable lying on your back for prolonged periods. For this reason, the second trimester is the best time for a tooth extraction.
Can I Have Orthodontic Treatment While Pregnant?
If you are already going on with orthodontic treatment, you should not stop just because you’re pregnant. You can even enjoy new braces, although some orthodontists may request that you wait until you have given birth.
That is because getting fitted with braces requires x-rays, which is not recommended in your first trimester. Also, some of your facial features tend to change when you’re pregnant. And having adjustments later means additional overall costs.
Also, some women experience gums swelling and other complications during pregnancy. That can sometimes result in irritation from brackets and gum wires. The dentist will always recommend the ideal treatment for you.
You don’t need to worry about creating an emergency through not knowing the factors that can affect your life.