Pregnant women have an increased risk for severe tooth decay if cavities are left untreated. When cavities are left to fester in the mouth, they lead to severe tooth decay in which bacteria reaches the inner parts of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels live (the pulp).
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.
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.
Pregnancy may make women more prone to periodontal (gum) disease and cavities. 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.
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.
Oral infections can trigger the production of pro-inflammatory mediators that may be risk factors for miscarriage.
Local Anesthetics During Pregnancy
If you're pregnant and need a filling, root canal or tooth pulled, one thing you don't have to worry about is the safety of the numbing medications your dentist may use during the procedure. They are, in fact, safe for both you and your baby.
Routine dental work is one thing. But, can you safely undergo a tooth extraction during pregnancy? The answer, as far as the American Dental Association and other health agencies are concerned, is yes.
If you have an infection, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic. Unless you are allergic to them, antibiotics from the penicillin and cephalosporin families are safe to take. Erythromycin and metrronidazole are also safe to take.
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.
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.
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.
If you experience toothache while pregnant, call your dentist and tell him or her what you are feeling and if you have had any complications while pregnant. If your dentist is unavailable and you feel as if you have an emergency, go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. A dentist is usually on call.
Can I get my teeth cleaned? 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.
Yes, a root canal is safe during pregnancy
The American Dental Association (ADA) and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that root canals can be safely performed during pregnancy.
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.
Dental work is safe at any time during your pregnancy, but it may be more comfortable during your second trimester.
If you are pregnant and your toothaches are causing discomfort, your best option is to see your dentist. In cases in which gingivitis or periodontitis is causing your toothache, a professional dental cleaning can alleviate the discomfort. If you have tooth decay, you may need a filling.
Pregnancy And Dental Implants
Elective procedures like dental implants can be performed after the first trimester, however, most oral surgeons prefer to wait until the patient is no longer pregnant to perform the procedure.
Fortunately, root canal treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Of course, every woman is unique, as is every pregnancy, so it is important to check with your doctor and dentist for guidance.
As your baby develops in the womb, your hormone levels increase, which can lead to tooth pain and other concerning dental symptoms, such as: Plaque buildup – Your body's natural response to fighting off plaque fluctuates during pregnancy, mostly due to hormonal changes.
These are some dental problems that can occur even frequently during pregnancy. Scientific data along with ministerial recommendations confirm that if a mother has a cavity, she is likely to pass the disease-causing bacteria on to her newborn baby.
If you experience toothache while pregnant, call your dentist and tell him or her what you are feeling and if you have had any complications while pregnant. If your dentist is unavailable and you feel as if you have an emergency, go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital. A dentist is usually on call.
If you are pregnant and your toothaches are causing discomfort, your best option is to see your dentist. In cases in which gingivitis or periodontitis is causing your toothache, a professional dental cleaning can alleviate the discomfort. If you have tooth decay, you may need a filling.