Are you thinking if you can see the dentist safely when already pregnant? The answer is yes, you can and should be able to do so. When you conceive, your routine dental checkup is extremely important to keep you and your child healthy. However, certain things need to be considered when going to the dentist during pregnancy. Some of them might require proper attention while others are not that safe at this time. Keep reading further to know how to take care of your as well as your baby’s teeth.
Know the basics of visiting your dentist during pregnancy
The dentists suggest you to go for regular dental examinations and mouth cleanings throughout the pregnancy period. When you conceive, the hormones change which make the gums swell and get irritated easily.The preventative appointments are essential to stay away from potential gum disease and mouth infections. Avoiding dental issues may help to prevent premature birth and so, you need to remain alert.
It is important to get other dental procedures done such as – getting fillings or crowns to avoid mouth infections.However, it is a good decision to complete all the procedures by the second trimester. During the third trimester, it becomes hard to sit in the dental clinic for a long time. Thus, when you reach the third trimester, it is advised to delay treatments till your baby is born unless you really need them. Emergency dental works such as – root canals or tooth extractions might be needed while you are pregnant. However, if you need to whiten teeth or perform other cosmetic dental procedures, then it is advised to wait till the baby is born. Otherwise, there can be minor risks for the baby.
Take dental medications at the time of pregnancy
As per studies, the effects of dental medications while you conceive are conflicting. Lidocaine may be used t often in the dental procedures and it can get easily into the placenta. However, it is not evident if there are any adverse effects of the medicine on the baby.
If any serious dental work needs to be performed, then little anaesthesia is required for it. But, when you are in pain, ask for more numbing to make you feel comfortable. Make sure you feel relaxed so that your baby is safe. The dental treatment will be better when you do not have much pain.
Another medication used with the dental procedure is by taking antibiotics. Certain medications such as – amoxicillin, clindamycin and penicillin can be taken safely when you follow the instructions of your dentist.
Also Read: What is Infertility and How to Treat It
X-rays and dental works when you are expecting
When seeing the best dentist in Croydon for an annual check-up, he will ask you to get an X-ray done. However, you can skip the X-ray till you give birth to the baby. But, if you need to perform an emergency dental procedure, then the dentist will suggest having an x-ray as an individual X-ray does not have sufficient radiation for causing harm to the fetus.
Standard dental x-rays are safe in every way for you and your unborn child. The reason to skip them is to ensure peace of mind. Some people want to avoid all dental works during the first trimester as it is the most important time for the baby’s development.
How to navigate dental care throughout pregnancy period
- Before you get pregnant – If you wish to conceive, then it is a wise decision to fix an appointment with the dentist before proceeding ahead. This enables you to get proper cleaning of your mouth done before there is some discomfort during pregnancy. Your gums will be assessed for your improved dental health and if there are any problems, then it is necessary to take care of them.
- Speak with your dentist – When you are pregnant, it is important to tell your dentist about it during the appointment. He will tell you what dental care you need to do at this point of time and what you can wait for some time. You should also inform about any medications you are taking with prenatal vitamins that the doctor has given. If your doctor gives some medical advice, don’t forget to inform your dentist about it. He may use this information to make some changes in your dental plan.
- Eat the right foods when pregnant – The foods you eat at the time of pregnancy are a vital part of your routine dental care. It is necessary to think about the health of your teeth when you do not visit the dentist. Try not to eat sweets and other snacks that have high amount of sugar in them. Even though there might be pregnancy cravings, these snacks increase the chances of developing gum disease and tooth decay.As these dental problems can have serious consequences when you are pregnant, it is advised to avoid taking foods and sugar that may lead to decay. Focus into eating a well-balanced diet for your and your baby’s health.
- Post-pregnancy care – If there had been any dental problems that you skipped during pregnancy, then it is suggested to take care of them soon once you give birth to your baby. It is a smart decision to assess your oral health after pregnancy.
Visiting Croydon based dental specialist when you are pregnant is not at all risky for you or your baby. Thus, avoid delaying any dental checkups and procedures that you really need to perform right now.