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.
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.
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.
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.
It is natural to be worried about getting dental fillings during pregnancy. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association agree that cavities can be treated safely at any time during pregnancy.
It's safe to have your teeth cleaned at any point in your pregnancy, although you may want to avoid going in the third trimester just because it can be uncomfortable to lean back, said Dr. Andrew Martin, a dentist at Coast Dental Gainesville.
The reality is that pregnancy itself can cause dental problems, and many women do not realize they need a root canal until they are already pregnant. Fortunately, root canal treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
But don't worry, experiencing tooth pain while pregnant is relatively common — you can thank hormones for this! The easiest way to minimize tooth pain during pregnancy is maintaining good oral health habits, which includes: Not skimping on healthy habits — make sure to brush twice a day and floss.
A main reason is the rising hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed and trap food. The increased irritation to your gums can cause oral infections like gum disease , which has been linked to preterm birth. Let your dentist know right away when you're pregnant or if you think you're pregnant.
When a pregnant mother is dealing with excess bacteria in the mouth, it can enter the bloodstream and enter into the uterus. This can introduce premature labor. So, brushing your teeth while pregnant can reduce pregnancy complications. This will also avoid any dental infections in newborns.
Yes, dental cleanings pose no harm during pregnancy. In fact, they're a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy, which is especially important during pregnancy. Some dental plans may cover an additional cleaning for pregnant women.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can increase the acidity in the mouth, leading to an increase in cavities. This also can be due to an increased sugar intake caused by cravings and a decrease in attention to preventive dental care.
Pregnancy won't make your teeth fall out, but it can impact your oral health, including increasing your risk of gingivitis.
The old wives tale that teeth become “chalky” during pregnancy due to the baby drawing the calcium out of the teeth, is completely false! Unlike the calcium in our bones which can be depleted if needed elsewhere in the body, our teeth remain unaffected.
Periodontal disease in an expectant mother can even lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. And the cause can be as simple as gestational gingivitis—something that is easily overlooked, even by doctors. The key to limiting the impact of gum disease on pregnancy lies in controlling inflammation.
It's not uncommon for many women to notice their teeth shift during late pregnancy or just after having a baby. This movement is believed to be linked to the release of the hormone relaxin.
Is it safe to use mouthwash while pregnant? Mouthwash is safe to use during pregnancy and can be an effective way to keep up with your oral hygiene – especially if you're struggling with gingivitis thanks to your changing pregnancy hormones.
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.
Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Avoid toothpastes/powders and mouthwashes that contain fluoride, artificial sweeteners, coloring agents, harsh abrasives, thickeners, or surfactants. The packaging tubes and bottles should also be BPA-free.
Toothpaste to Use during Pregnancy
Fortunately, fluoride toothpaste is safe for use during pregnancy so long as you ensure you never swallow it while brushing. Therefore you must exercise caution and always spit out the fluoride toothpaste after brushing and rinse your mouth.
It's natural to be cautious about your health when you're pregnant – you want the best start for your baby. The good news is that fluoride toothpaste is safe for you to use when you're pregnant however, ensure you never swallow it while brushing. Your dental health is even more important during this time.
High levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can temporarily loosen the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place. This can make your teeth loose. Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease). If gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease.
About pregnancy and teeth
But changes in lifestyle, habits and body processes may increase your risk of dental problems during pregnancy. Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and visiting your dentist will help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible during pregnancy.
Changes in the teeth – tooth erosion
Tooth erosion is becoming much more widespread in the population and the risks increase during pregnancy. Figure: The features of tooth erosion are a lack of surface luster, yellowing, and the teeth gradually becoming smaller as the enamel is dissolved away.