Congratulations
on your pregnancy! Your overall health
is important to you and your developing baby.
Dental health is connected to your overall health, which makes it
important to continue visiting the dentist.
Please let us
know that you are pregnant at your dental visit, but know, you and your baby
are completely safe in the dental office.
- At Stadsklev Dental we practice universal precautions in terms of infection control every patient, every day, all day.
- Anesthetic is completely safe to use while pregnant.
- Fillings, root canals, crowns and extractions are all safe to have completed while pregnant.
- Necessary x-rays are safe to take while pregnant. We have digital radiographs in our office, already reducing radiation exposure, but a lead apron can also be used. If you are not having any dental concerns, yearly, routine x-rays will be put off until after your pregnancy.
How Might Pregnancy Affect My Mouth?
Most women will
breeze by pregnancy with no dental concerns.
But the following are to be on the lookout for:
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Hormones can
increase swelling, bleeding and soreness of the gums. If you notice an increase in bleeding when
brushing or flossing, schedule your routine cleaning and exam and we can
evaluate your gum health. You may
require extra cleanings.
Increased Tooth Decay
While your baby is NOT ‘taking calcium
from your teeth’ leading to decay, you may be more at risk for decay when
pregnant. Morning sickness, sensitive gag reflex, acid reflux, cravings/changes
in your diet can cause an increase in decay risk.
Pregnancy Tumor
Although rare,
some women see a large, red, raw looking, overgrowth of gum tissue. This type of ‘tumor’ is not cancerous and
will likely go away after pregnancy. It
is due a combination of hormones and plaque bacteria. Better home care and more dental cleanings can
help alleviate discomfort.
Other tips
We find it
easiest to schedule dental work in the 2nd trimester. Usually nausea has subsided and its easier to
lay back. However, if at any time you
have a tooth ache, swelling, or something just doesn’t feel right please call
us.
