Dental Cleanings you can avoid and regular exams during pregnancy are not safe nor suggested.  Hormonal levels peaking in pregnancy cause gums to swell, hemorrhage, and conceal food, which makes your gums worsen.  Stopping dental works is key to stop oral infections like gum disease, which is sometimes traced to premature birth.

What about other regular dental work during pregnancy?

Dental work like cavity fillings and crowns must be worked on to stop infection.  If dental works occur in pregnancy, the second trimester is key.  When you are at the third trimester, you may have a hard time lying on your back for stretched out durations of time.

The most secure pursuit of action is to hold off on preventive dental surgery till after the baby is delivered.  However, on occasions, the emergency dental procedures like a root canal or a tooth extraction is needed.

Elective treatments, like teeth whitening and other enhancing operations should happen after birth.  Avoid putting the baby through any jeopardy, even if the chance is low.

What about medications used in dental work during pregnancy?

Right now, there is inconsistent research about adverse outcomes on the fetus from medicines used during dental works. Lidocaine is a typically used drug by dentists.  Lidocaine (Category B) crosses the placenta after it is in the body

If you need dental work, the size of anesthesia put into the body should be small, but enough to keep you at ease.  If in pain, ask for more numbing.  When you are stress-free, the baby is stress-free. Also, the more at ease you are, the better the anesthesia will work.

Dental care uses antibiotics to stop or treat infection.  Antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, labeled category B for security during pregnancy, might be assigned after your operation.

What about x-rays used in dental work during pregnancy?

Routine x-rays, administered in annual exams, can be pushed to after birth.  X-rays are needed to do a lot of dental operations, particularly emergencies.

As told by the American College of Radiology, no individual testing x-ray has a radiation dosage powerful enough to cause negative effects in forming an embryo or fetus.

Fetal organ formation happens in the first trimester; it is best to stray from all potential risks at this time if you can. If dental works that are not emergencies are needed in the third trimester, it is scheduled to after birth.  This is to stop the risk of premature birth and more time to lie on your back.

Suggestions for addressing your dental needs during pregnancy:

• The American Dental Association (ADA) suggest that women in pregnancy eat a level diet, keep their teeth brushed fully with an ADA-certified fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and floss every day

• Schedule exams and cleanings at a later time through your pregnancy

• Tell your dentist you are pregnant

• Reschedule dental work that is not an emergency in the second trimester or after birth, if you can

• Optional operations should be rescheduled until after birth

• Manage healthy circulation by uncrossing your legs while in the dentist’s chair

• Bring a pillow so you and your baby are at ease

• Take headphones and your favorite music

If you live in Southern California, consider consulting with dentists in San Diego who can take care of your oral health.