Seeing your dentist during pregnancy is not only safe but recommended.
The increase in hormones during pregnancy can cause gums to swell which can lead to food getting trapped between teeth. This can cause gum disease or infection. Vomiting due to morning sickness also exposes your teeth to harsh acids.
Oral hygiene impacts one’s overall health, so it's important to maintain good oral health for both you and your baby.
What dental treatments or procedures can be performed during pregnancy?
Your routine hygiene appointment is important as it keeps any potential gum or tooth infection at bay and can be done safely anytime during pregnancy. As for other procedures; it is recommended to be done by the second trimester. The third trimester is safe, but you might have a hard time laying back for an extended period of time.
In case of emergency dental work, such as a root canal, or tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist anytime during pregnancy as the benefits of seeing your dentist far outweigh the risks.
Dental X-rays, use very low doses of radiation and is considered safe with appropriate shielding. Although x-rays are safe, your dentist may still recommend avoiding them especially during the first trimester but if you have an emergency, x-rays could still be needed to help your dentist plan your treatment effectively.
For most non-essential or elective treatments such as teeth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, your dentist may recommend delaying until after the birth.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, please inform our practice when making an appointment.