Advancements in dentistry have made dental treatments more comfortable and extremely safe for pregnant women.
Taking care of our teeth during pregnancy can often be the last thing on our minds, and most of us have no idea just how important it is – both for the mother and the baby.
Dental care shouldn’t stop just because you’re pregnant. There’s still a widespread misconception that visiting the dentist while pregnant can harm you or your baby.
It’s even more important to keep your oral health in check when pregnant, as you’re at higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Your dentist in Northville, MI, will often recommend making several appointments during your pregnancy to check the condition of your teeth and gums, recommend adjustments to your oral care routine, or carry out any treatments needed.
Can Pregnancy Affect My Teeth And Gums?
Your teeth and gums can be more susceptible to damage during pregnancy.
Giving in to sweet and sour cravings will likely speed up the formation of plaque on your teeth, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. These need to be treated by your dentist as soon as possible.
Vomiting due to morning sickness could make the enamel on the surface of your teeth more prone to damage. After vomiting, rinse your mouth with water only and avoid brushing your teeth for at least thirty minutes. Even the taste of toothpaste could trigger morning sickness. You can still brush without the toothpaste. The motion would help remove some of the plaque, and an electric toothbrush can also help.
The risk of gum (periodontal) disease can rise during pregnancy. This is because hormonal changes will likely affect the blood flow to your gums and how your teeth respond to plaque. About fifty percent of pregnant women will develop pregnancy gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can cause them to be red, puffy, or bleed.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is more likely to occur in the second trimester. If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can develop into periodontitis, which damages the jaw and can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is also one of the known risk factors for mouth cancer.
Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy at our dental office in Northville, MI, are safe and recommended. The rise in hormone levels during pregnancy causes the gums to swell, bleed, and trap food, causing increased irritation to your gums.
Preventive dental work while pregnant is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease, which has been linked to preterm birth.
Dental work while pregnant, such as cavity fillings and root canal treatments, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal. Once you reach the third trimester, lying on your back for an extended time may be very difficult.
However, sometimes emergency dental work, such as a root canal or tooth extraction, is necessary.
Root Canal Treatment During Pregnancy
If you need a root canal treatment, there’s no need to delay it just because you’re an expectant mother. Your health should get the procedure if you need it.
Root canal treatments in Northville, MI, are performed using local anesthetic injections—local anesthetics are not harmful during pregnancy because, as their name suggests, they are localized to the injection site.
Another common misconception about dental care during pregnancy is that dental work can send bacteria into the bloodstream. You’re at a higher risk of having the infection spread from your mouth to other parts of the body if you don’t get the dental care you need. A root canal is often necessary to save an infected tooth, which means neglecting to treat it is dangerous for you and your unborn baby.
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
One of the most common concerns about visiting the dentist while pregnant is exposure to radiation from X-rays.
According to the American College of Radiology (ACOG), no diagnostic X-ray has a radiation dose significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus.
According to the American Dental Association(ADA) and ACOG, dental X-rays during pregnancy are considered safe with appropriate shielding.
Modern dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation, and a single dose is not usually high enough to cause any adverse effects in the development of the fetus. Our dental clinic in Northville, MI will also ensure your baby is shielded from the radiation by using a lead apron and thyroid guard.
Although X-rays are safe, our compassionate dentists may recommend avoiding them during the first trimester if you only have a routine check-up.
Can I Get Cosmetic Dental Work Done While Pregnant?
Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after the birth. Elective treatments are procedures that patients need, but they don’t have to be done right away.
At Gasior Family Dental, we recommend bypassing cosmetic dental work while pregnant and avoiding exposing the developing baby to any risks, even if they are minimal.
Gasior Family Dental: Caring For Expectant Mothers’ Oral Health In Northville, MI To Give Them That Pregnancy Glow
At Gasior Family Dental, when it comes to dental care during pregnancy, we try to schedule expectant mothers during their second trimester. This is because the first trimester is the most dangerous for the baby, and the third trimester is uncomfortable for the mom to sit in the chair for an extended time. In the second trimester, you are the most comfortable. Your morning sickness is over, and you are still close to regular size.
Maintaining your dental hygiene routine offers a variety of benefits, and at our dental practice in Northville, MI, we utilize the most trusted and cutting-edge technology available in dentistry. Getting a routine cleaning will help minimize the risk of oral disease and keep your smile looking healthy.
The good news is that you can minimize your risk of periodontal disease by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and keeping up with your regular dental visits. Also, talk to your dentist about the kind of mouthwash you use. Some contain higher levels of fluoride or Peridex, which your doctor might want you to avoid.
Once you have given birth, we can discuss any cosmetic dentistry procedure and develop a treatment plan to fix any problems that arose during pregnancy.
So, if you have recently given birth or are towards the end of your pregnancy and want to look a little more fabulous in that postnatal glow, why not book your smile makeover in Northville, MI?
You can contact us online or directly to inquire about our general and cosmetic dental services in Northville, MI.
