Considering that there’s already a lot to worry about when you’re pregnant, you’ll lik
ely be relieved to hear that dental work during pregnancy is nothing to stress over. You can’t always foresee when you’re going to need to visit the dentist but rest assured that you can safely complete necessary dental work while pregnant.
That said, the best time for dental work during pregnancy is during the second trimester. The nausea that many women experience during the first trimester will likely have subsided and the development of the baby’s organs is complete. Likewise, completing dental work before the third trimester lowers the risk of side effects, like premature birth, and you’ll likely feel more comfortable while getting the work done as it may become more difficult to lie on your back for long periods of time towards the end of the pregnancy.
One thing that you need to be more cautious of when receiving dental work during pregnancy is any potential infections. If you experience any pain or swelling, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Can I Get My Teeth Cleaned While Pregnant?
Yes, if you are healthy you can get your teeth cleaned while pregnant. Regular teeth cleaning is just as important, if not more so, during pregnancy. Women should visit the dentist while pregnant for their regular teeth cleaning as they tend to consume more carbohydrates and may have difficulty brushing their teeth due to morning sickness.
Pregnancy also causes the gums to swell and food can more easily become trapped, leading to gum irritation. Keeping up on preventative dental work while pregnant helps avoid infections, such as gum disease, which can potentially lead to preterm birth.
Can I Get Dental Work While Pregnant?
If you find out that you need dental work during pregnancy, you can safely receive treatment using a local anesthetic. A study by the Journal of the American Dental Association found that women who underwent dental work while pregnant did not have a higher risk of medical issues or of passing along defects to the baby.
In fact, it may be more detrimental to the health of both the mother and the baby if the woman does not receive the necessary dental care during pregnancy. An untreated dental problem can turn into an infection that could harm both the mother and the baby.
However, if the dental work can safely be postponed until after the baby is born, it is considered to still be the best option. This is especially true for elective procedures, like teeth whitening, which may pose small risks to the baby that are simply better not to take.
