If you are pregnant, congratulations! Pregnancy certainly is exciting, but it definitely comes with its fair share of life changes along the way. With so many things to look out for, include and avoid, it’s fair to ask yourself, “is it safe to go to the dentist?” – the short answer is, yes! Visiting the dentist while pregnant is more than just safe, it’s recommended. In this blog, we’re going to dive into why visiting the dentist while pregnant is so important and the procedures that are safe. Let’s get started!
Is It Safe To Visit The Dentist While Pregnant?
As we mentioned above, it is perfectly safe to visit the dentist while pregnant. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends keeping up with those regular hygiene visits to prevent infection and stay ahead of any other concerns down the line.
So, Why Is Pregnancy Dental Care Important?
Not enough people know this, but pregnancy can put you at a higher risk for certain oral health conditions. Why? – Well, this is a result of such great change in your hormones and daily routines. Here are some of the oral conditions that are more elevated while pregnant:
- Hormonal changes can lead to “pregnancy gingivitis”.
- A change in regular routines, extreme fatigue and sleep interruptions can interfere with daily oral care.
- Changes in what you eat and drink during pregnancy (hello cravings) can contribute to tooth decay.
- The acid from ongoing morning sickness can take a toll on your teeth.
Your Personal Dental Health Can Affect Your Baby
When you’re pregnant, everything you do affects your growing baby. So while you’re watching out for what you consume and expose yourself too, it’s important to consider your oral health too. Not taking care of your teeth can ultimately result in infection, and when left untreated, this can spread to other parts of your body.
What Dental Procedures Are Safe While Pregnant?
So, let’s say that you run into a problem during your dental appointment that needs to be addressed – what procedures are safe? While any cosmetic procedures should just be tabled until after giving birth, it is completely safe to proceed with the following procedures:
- Filling a cavity
- Receiving a crown
- Getting a root canal
- Having a tooth extracted
- Getting x-rays (only if necessary)
We understand that being pregnant is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. With all there is to account for during pregnancy, we want your oral health to be one less thing to worry about! If you are pregnant, we encourage you to go ahead and schedule a regular hygiene visit to get everything squared away – resting with peace of mind that your oral health is in check is one less thing to worry about!