11 Oct Should You Schedule Dental Work While You’re Pregnant?
There are many things that are off-limits during pregnancy for the sake of the baby’s health and proper development. However, preventive dentistry isn’t one of them. In fact, dentists strongly recommend that women who are pregnant or planning to be should schedule a professional cleaning and exam. Here’s why dental care is essential during your pregnancy.
Preventive dentistry is essential during pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease. This is because expecting mothers have major fluctuations in hormone levels. The extra hormones can cause the gum tissue to become swollen, which readily traps food particles and bacteria. This can lead to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. Gum disease is dangerous even for patients who are not pregnant, since it can lead to tooth loss. However, for women who are pregnant, gum disease is particularly hazardous, as it may increase the risk of preterm births and low birth weight. Visit your dentist for preventive cleanings, and call the office right away if you notice bleeding or swelling of the gums.
Routine dental work may be necessary.
Some dental treatments may be necessary during pregnancy to reduce the risk of additional problems, such as the spread of oral infections. For example, if you have a cavity, you’ll definitely need it treated. It’s best to treat these problems as quickly as possible. It can be challenging to lie on your back in the dentist’s chair for a long time during the third trimester.
Elective dental work should be postponed.
Although some dental work should be done as soon as possible during pregnancy, you’ll still want to postpone any elective dentistry. Non-essential dental work includes teeth whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry treatments.
If you would like to schedule a teeth cleaning and exam in the Tucson area, you can call the office of John R. Carson, DDS at (520) 514-7203. Our team provides friendly, personalized care to each of our valued patients. We look forward to helping you have a healthy pregnancy.