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Pregnancy is a time for adaptation, new challenges, and many changes. And your mouth is not an exception to this rule. Multiple studies have shown that pregnancy hormones can increase the risk of gum disease (gingivitis) and other oral health issues, making dental care a crucial consideration during this personal crossroad.
While some mild gum inflammation and bleeding can be expected during pregnancy, more severe oral conditions as a result of inadequate oral health have been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. As a result, experts recommend regular dental check-ups and exceptional oral health. Furthermore, neglecting dental issues can lead to infections, pain, and therapies that may affect both the mother and baby.
As mentioned previously, hormonal alterations and the increased levels of progesterone can lead to some degree of gum swelling and bleeding. This process is the result of multiple hormonal disruptions due to the baby’s growth. In fact, although it doesn’t happen all the time, these symptoms can worsen as the pregnancy continues, leading to more severe complications.
Moreover, if these gum problems are left untreated, they can progress to periodontitis, bone loss, gum recessions, or even severe infections that are directly related to pregnancy complications.
One common sign during pregnancy is frequent vomiting. Unfortunately, stomach acids can wear tooth enamel, leaving erosive lesions and increasing the risk of cavities.
Most experts recommend rinsing with abundant water multiple times after vomiting to wash all the acid away or using fluoride mouthwash to counteract its demineralizing effects on tooth enamel. While brushing right after vomiting might seem like a great idea, it could worsen the impact, as the toothbrush can erode the weakened enamel layers.
Some pregnant women can develop small, benign (non-cancerous) gum overgrowths due to hormonal changes. While quite uncommon, they usually resolve after pregnancy without complication. However, sometimes, they may require treatment, especially if they interfere with eating or normal hygiene.
Attending routine check-ups and cleanings is not only safe but also highly recommended during pregnancy. Even with the best oral hygiene routine at home, pregnant women have a higher chance of developing tartar and plaque in difficult areas. Therefore, receiving a professional cleaning is highly beneficial to prevent multiple oral diseases.
On the other hand, fillings and crowns can prevent tooth infections, fractures, and tooth loss. Thus, they shouldn’t be postponed if your dentist considers them necessary.
Additionally, treating gum disease at the appropriate time can reduce pregnancy complications and save you multiple headaches in the long term.
You should consider postponing most elective cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and veneers, as they don’t represent a threat to your overall health and can wait a few months to provide the best results. Also, most non-urgent treatments may be better scheduled after the first trimester, when fetal development is more stable and there are fewer risks of complications.
Furthermore, while dental treatment during pregnancy is possible at the appropriate time and conditions, you should avoid any treatment that involves high doses of radioactive exposition, such as root canals or implant placements.
The first trimester is a delicate time for you and the baby. During these first months, the fetus goes through an essential phase of development, creating vital organs, multiple tissues, and basic anatomical structures. Therefore, you should only receive emergency procedures that may put you or the baby at greater risk. Additionally, this is the phase where nausea, bloating, and sensitivity may make dental visits significantly uncomfortable.
The second trimester is the best time to receive dental care for expecting mothers, as the baby’s organs are fully developed and the mother is more comfortable and used to the pregnancy. Moreover, your dentist can perform X-rays with the appropriate shielding and protective measures if you require them for your treatment.
While dental treatment during this stage represents no significant threat to the baby, lying on the back for long periods can cause considerable discomfort due to high pressure on major blood vessels. As a result, mothers can feel suffocated or dizzy during long periods. Therefore, most experts recommend attending morning, short dental appointments while positioning sideways to the left to put pressure on safe spots and prevent any of these issues.
Most frequently used local anesthetics, such as lidocaine and articaine, are considered safe during pregnancy when used in appropriate amounts. Keep in mind that every patient, including pregnant women, has a maximum recommended anesthetic dose based on their weight and age. Therefore, this limit should always be respected.
On the other hand, epinephrine—a vasoconstrictor that prevents bleeding and makes anesthetics last longer—, should be used with caution. However, most times, its benefits outweigh the potential risks. For example, if you require a dental extraction to prevent infection, using an anesthetic with epinephrine may be the best way to allow a fast and durable numb for the best comfort possible. Yet, remember to always inform the dentist about your pregnancy to ensure proper dosage adjustments and any other additional measures.
X-rays are one of the most controversial subjects when discussing pregnancy and oral health. While they were prohibited for years due to their high negative impact on child development, nowadays modern digital X-rays emit minimal radiation and are considered safe with proper shielding measures.
Furthermore, the American Dental Association and European health agencies confirm that necessary X-rays pose no significant risk for the mother or the baby. On the contrary, if an expecting mother requires an X-ray for urgent dental treatment, it is a highly valuable diagnostic tool for the professional that contributes significantly to the treatment’s outcome. Thus, although delaying X-rays is an option for non-urgent cases, emergencies should never be ignored.
Additionally, keep in mind that there are multiple types of X-ray techniques and projections used in dentistry. However, intraoral periapical X-rays are among the safest X-rays for pregnant women during their treatment, as they are quick and have the lowest radiation dose. Other extraoral techniques like panoramic X-rays and tomographies should be avoided due to their high dose and long exposure.
Keeping good oral health during pregnancy is a great way to contribute to your overall health during and after the process. Consider brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush to reduce gum irritation and prevent the most common oral diseases. Also, follow these recommendations:
Regular dental visits should continue as usual, at least once every six months. However, you should seek immediate dental whenever you notice pain, swelling, or persistent bleeding gums. Additionally, any signs or symptoms of infection are red flags to seek professional dental treatment as soon as possible. Some of these signs and symptoms may include:
Remember that oral infections can evolve quickly and lead to multiple severe complications that may compromise your child’s health.
These are the best tips to receive dental treatment during pregnancy:
Finally, remember that oral care is a crucial part of your overall well-being during your pregnancy. Underestimating or delaying treatment can only lead to more complex and severe consequences in the long-term.
