Pregnancy and dental treatments - Everything you need to know
Hello future moms!
Navigating pregnancy comes with its unique set of challenges, and somewhere between the excitement and preparations, dental health often takes a backseat.
But did you know that keeping your smile bright and healthy is more important now than ever? Many of my pregnant patients are full of questions about dental care during pregnancy. Can you do treatment safely? Should you delay x-rays? Will my teeth lose their strength?
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about pregnancy and visiting the dentist.
Written by Dr Zaeem Jafri BDS
*** Disclaimer - This article is written for general guidance by a dentist, for any specific issues or advice please consult one of our online dentists here or discuss the matter with your doctor. Every person, pregnancy and situation is different and treatment decisions need to be made accordingly. ***
In a nutshell
If you don’t have time to read this entire post, I’ll start off with a summary that covers most of the important points:
Make sure you tell your dentist you are pregnant
In general, dental treatment during pregnancy is safe, there are no known specific risks to you or your baby, however, out of extreme caution, most dentists will delay any elective or unnecessary treatments and x-rays until after you have given birth
You are likely to notice many changes in your body, one of which is increased bleeding from the gums known as pregnancy gingivitis
It’s important to keep your body free from infections and disease so any issues that do arise with your teeth need to be assessed and addressed promptly
It’s important for you to maintain good oral hygiene at home
If you do need dental treatment, the second trimester is the ideal time to do so
Your baby does not suck the calcium out of your teeth
You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment during your pregnancy and for a whole year after you have given birth
If you want to speak to one of our online dentists for specific advice you can get in touch by clicking here.
Otherwise read on below for a deep dive into all of the points mentioned above.
Oral health changes whilst pregnant
Pregnancy Gingivitis
If you've noticed your gums becoming more sensitive, swollen, or even bleeding a bit when you brush or floss, you're not alone. Welcome to the world of pregnancy gingivitis, a condition that many expectant moms face.
Pregnancy gingivitis is essentially inflammation of the gums that occurs because of changing hormone levels during pregnancy. These hormonal changes can increase the blood flow to the gum tissue, making them more sensitive, swollen, and prone to bleeding.
It might sound a bit scary, but it's a fairly common condition, affecting up to 75% of pregnant women to some degree.
The key to managing pregnancy gingivitis is good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist. Here are a few tips to keep those gums in check:
Brush Regularly: Aim for twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gentle brushing helps avoid irritating your sensitive gums.
Floss Daily: It's your best defence against plaque that can irritate your gums.
Dental Check-ups: Keeping up with your dental appointments is crucial. Your dentist can offer cleanings that help keep gingivitis at bay and provide personalised advice.
Eat Healthy: A balanced diet contributes to healthy gums. Foods rich in vitamin C and calcium can be particularly beneficial for gum health.
Strength of your teeth
One common question many expectant moms have is whether pregnancy can make your teeth weaker. The truth? While pregnancy itself doesn't directly weaken your teeth, the changes and conditions during this time can potentially lead to dental problems if not properly managed. Let's go over the facts.
First off, no, your baby isn't borrowing calcium from your teeth. That's a myth. However, your nutritional needs do increase during pregnancy, and if those needs aren't met, it could indirectly affect your dental health.
Calcium is crucial for your baby's developing bones and teeth, and if you're not getting enough in your diet, your body might source it from your bones, not your teeth, which can affect your overall bone health but not directly lead to weaker teeth.
However, several factors during pregnancy can contribute to dental issues, which might make it seem like your teeth are getting weaker:
Pregnancy Gingivitis: As we've covered, this can make your gums more prone to bleeding and infection, indirectly affecting the support system of your teeth.
Morning Sickness: Frequent vomiting can expose your teeth to stomach acid, eroding the enamel and making them seem weaker or more sensitive.
Dietary Changes: Cravings for sugary snacks can increase the risk of cavities if dental hygiene isn't maintained.
The key to maintaining strong and healthy teeth during pregnancy lies in good oral hygiene practices, a balanced diet and regular dental check-ups and cleanings. This trio of care can help prevent the dental woes that might make your teeth seem weaker during pregnancy.
Getting ready for pregnancy
Remember, taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of your baby, and that includes your dental health!
The presence of infection, inflammation and disease in your body can have an impact on the development of your baby too. Ideally, if you’re trying for a baby make sure you’ve gone for a dental check-up and made sure that your mouth is disease-free.
That way, you can make sure you’re doing your best for yourself and your baby while also reducing the risk of needing any treatment later down the line.
Getting dental treatment whilst pregnant
This is the big question that many people have, can you have dental treatment whilst pregnant?
The short answer is, yes you can. Modern methods and technology mean that in the grand scheme of things, there are very few risks to you and your baby by having dental treatment.
However, as a precaution and because we don’t want to cause undue stress to our pregnant patients, most dentists will delay any elective or non-emergency care until after you have had your baby.
Dental anaesthetics and other medication
Lidocaine and articaine are the most common dental anaesthetics used during dental procedures and there are no proven risks of either of them to you or your baby. Research has shown that although the anaesthetic does reach the placenta, there is no evidence of it causing any harm to you or your baby.
Dental X-rays whilst pregnant
First things first: Dental X-rays have come a long way in terms of safety, and the level of radiation exposure is extremely low. However, during pregnancy, it's all about being extra cautious.
The good news is, that with modern dental technology and proper precautions, the risk to your baby is minimal.
Here's the scoop on dental X-rays while pregnant:
Elective Procedures: The general guideline is to postpone non-urgent X-rays until after the baby is born (such as X-rays taken at check-up appointments that screen for decay in between your teeth). However, if you're dealing with a dental emergency or condition that requires immediate attention, an X-ray might be necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Safety First: When a dental X-ray is deemed necessary, your dentist will take every precaution to minimize exposure. This may include using a leaded apron that shields your abdomen and thyroid, however, with modern machinery, this is not required.
So if you need to take an x-ray for a specific purpose or to check for underlying issues, go ahead but the routine x-rays for preventative measures can wait.
Emergency dental treatments whilst pregnant
Whether it's a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an infection, knowing how to navigate emergency dental care during pregnancy can provide peace of mind.
First, Don't Panic: Dental emergencies can be stressful, but remember, your dental team is trained to handle these situations, especially for pregnant patients.
Your first step should be to call your dentist right away, explain the situation, and let them know how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Transparency with your dentist about your pregnancy helps them make the best decisions for your care. They'll weigh the urgency of the treatment against your current trimester and discuss the safest options for you and your baby.
Your dentist or doctor can recommend safe ways to manage any pain until you're seen. Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol are generally considered safe during pregnancy but always consult with your doctor first and follow the instructions on the packaging.
If you need some quick advice you can contact our online dentists here.
Antibiotics and Pregnancy
If you have a spreading infection due to an issue with your teeth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. Certain antibiotics are safe during pregnancy, and your dentist will choose one that's effective and safe for you and your baby.
If you have any doubts, double-check with your dentist and your doctor too.
Treatment Timing
Whenever possible, dentists prefer to treat pregnant patients during the second trimester. This timing minimises any risks to the development of your baby as well as reduces the discomfort you might feel in the dental chair as your belly grows.
First trimester
During the first trimester, your baby is developing rapidly and undergoing a lot of cell division. This is an extremely risky time for any pregnancy for numerous reasons.
Your dentist is likely to differ any intervention during this time unless necessary.
There are no specific aspects of dentistry that may increase the risk of miscarriage or developmental issues with your child, but caution is key.
Third trimester
By the third trimester, the development of your baby is relatively stable however we have two other considerations.
There is a risk of early labour / pre-term birth which can be triggered by several external stressors
Your comfort. Lying on your back for a long period can be uncomfortable for you and your baby.
Second trimester
The second trimester is the sweet spot for any necessary dental treatment. Your baby is developed enough to reduce the risk of any developmental deformities and the risk of pre-term birth is low.
Conclusion
Dental treatment during pregnancy is very safe and as long as you communicate with your dentist you will be able to navigate any issues without worrying.
Prevention is Key to minimising the chances of dental emergencies. Continue with regular dental check-ups during your pregnancy. These visits allow potential issues to be caught early and managed before they become urgent.
Remember, dealing with a dental emergency during pregnancy might seem daunting, but with the right care and precautions, you and your baby's health can be safeguarded. Your dental team is there to support you, ensuring that your oral health remains in tip-top shape as you await the arrival of your little one.
If you want answers about a specific issue, feel free to get in touch with one of our online dentists by clicking the button below.