Dental Guidelines During Pregnancy
Make sure and tell the office staff when making your dental appointment that you are pregnant and how far along, so Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, and Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS, have this information for the health and safety of you and your baby.
Any recommended dental treatment should be completed before you are pregnant to prevent dental infections and emergencies.
IMPORTANT: If you are pregnant and have an emergency or a dental infection, it may be necessary to have dental treatment completed while you are pregnant. Dr. Mark Phillipe, DDS, and Dr. Derek Hauser, DDS, will discuss your treatment options with you and ensure that you understand what the safest options for treatment are for you and your baby.
Certain procedures should be delayed until after pregnancy, which is discussed below.
IMPORTANT: As soon as you find out you are pregnant, we recommend making a dental appointment for a checkup, since it is not recommended to have dental treatment during the third trimester. Please do not wait until you have a major toothache or dental infection during this period. We understand emergencies happen, however, coming in to see our dentists as soon as you are aware of being pregnant is the best option health wise.
Dental Procedures to Avoid During Pregnancy
While most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy, there are some that may be best avoided. This is because some procedures can cause unnecessary stress to the mother and baby, or they may be more difficult to perform due to changes in the mouth and teeth during pregnancy.
Dental procedures that may be best avoided during pregnancy:
- Elective or cosmetic procedures: These procedures, such as teeth whitening or veneers, are not necessary for maintaining good oral health and can be postponed until after the pregnancy.
- Dental X-rays: Dental X-rays use a small amount of radiation, which is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, some dentists may recommend postponing X-rays until after the pregnancy to avoid any unnecessary exposure to radiation.
- Local anesthetics: Local anesthetics are typically safe during pregnancy, but they may be avoided in some cases due to the potential for side effects.
- Sedation dentistry: Sedation dentistry, which uses medications to help patients relax during treatment, may be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential risks to the developing baby.
- Oral surgery: Oral surgery, such as wisdom teeth extraction, may be best avoided during pregnancy unless it is necessary to address a dental emergency.
Pregnancy is an important time for women to take extra care of their oral health. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing dental problems like gum disease. Additionally, the developing baby can be affected by certain oral health problems, so it is important to take good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy.
The American Dental Association recommends that women see their dentist early in their pregnancy, ideally in the first trimester. This is because the dentist can assess the woman’s oral health and provide any necessary treatment to prevent or address any problems. The dentist can also provide guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy.
Important guidelines and tips for maintaining good oral health during pregnancy include:
- Use a soft-bristled brush twice per day and fluoride toothpaste
- Remove food and plaque by flossing daily to clean in between teeth
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can cause tooth decay
- Avoid tobacco products, which can increase the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away bacteria and food particles
- Consider using a toothbrush with a small head and a comfortable grip, as this can be easier to use during pregnancy
Overall, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and see the dentist regularly during pregnancy to prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health. By following these guidelines and tips, women can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and protect the health of their developing baby.
Periodontal Disease and Preterm Birth Rates
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition that affects the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. It is caused by bacteria that build up in the mouth and attack the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Recent studies have shown that periodontal disease may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Preterm birth is defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, and it can have serious consequences for the health of the mother and baby. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant mortality and can also lead to long-term health problems for the baby, such as developmental delays and chronic diseases.
Several studies have found that women with periodontal disease are more likely to give birth prematurely than women without periodontal disease. For example, one study found that women with severe periodontal disease were seven times more likely to give birth prematurely than women with healthy gums. Another study found that women with periodontal disease were more than twice as likely to give birth prematurely as women without periodontal disease.
Overall, the evidence suggests that periodontal disease may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. This is an important issue, as periodontal disease is common and can be treated with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. By addressing periodontal disease, women may be able to reduce their risk of preterm birth and improve the health of their developing baby.
Professional Teeth Cleaning During Pregnancy
It is generally safe to get your teeth cleaned professionally during pregnancy. In fact, it is important for pregnant women to see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, as this can help prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health.
During a professional teeth cleaning, one of our friendly, experienced registered dental hygienists will carefully remove plaque and tartar from your teeth using special tools. They will also polish your teeth and apply fluoride to help protect your teeth from cavities. These procedures are safe for pregnant women and can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
Additionally, the dentist can provide guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy and address any concerns or questions you may have. For example, the dentist can recommend changes to your oral hygiene routine and provide advice on how to avoid tooth decay and gum disease during pregnancy.
Overall, it is important for pregnant women to see the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to maintain good oral health. Professional teeth cleaning is safe during pregnancy and can help prevent dental problems and maintain good oral health.
Overall, it is important to consult with your dentist before undergoing any dental procedures during pregnancy. The dentist can assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action to maintain good oral health while protecting the health of the developing baby.
Call Lakefront Family Dentistry at (951) 244-9495 to Schedule Your Appointment with our dentists and registered dental hygienists today or fill out the Appointment form on our website anytime. We look forward to having you and your new addition as part of our extended family!
