Is It Safe To Do Dental Work During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a momentous period in a woman’s life. It is such an exhilarating experience and your joy knows no bound! However, in between visits to your doctors, shopping for the new arrival and setting up the nursery, many women neglect their oral hygiene. Some even consider it unsafe to go for dental work as they are apprehensive about its effects on the unborn baby.
On the contrary, regular dental check-ups during pregnancy are not only safe but necessary too. Any kind of dental infection during pregnancy should be treated at the earliest so that its repercussions do not spread through your body and affect your unborn child. Dental checkups during pregnancy will also help your dentist in preventing any pregnancy-related dental problems that can crop up any time.
If you are pregnant and going for your regular dental checkups, it is always advisable to let your dentist know your condition. Discuss what trimester you are in, the medications you are taking or if you have any special instructions from your obstetrician. In case of high-risk pregnancies and depending on your obstetrician’s advice, your dentist might postpone some treatments until your delivery.
Although most women go through the nine months without any dental irritation, chances always remain that pregnancy might lead to a few dental conditions.
Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition that is caused due to the hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy. In this condition, the gums become inflamed leading to tenderness and swelling. Simply brushing or flossing can make your gums bleed. If left unattended, pregnancy gingivitis can lead to gum disease and infections that can complicate your pregnancy.
Visiting your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning can help prevent the situation.
Tooth decay is another problem that might affect a pregnant woman. Women in such condition usually consume more carbohydrates and fruits. Morning sickness is another cause that can increase acidic content in your mouth.
Excessive consumption of carbohydrates or high acidic content affects your tooth enamel i.e. the outer covering of your tooth. Once the enamel starts wearing off, the inner tooth becomes exposed and more prone to cavities and decay.
You may also suffer from pregnancy tumours, a type of benign overgrowth of tissue between the gums that can lead to infection.
Consult your dentist to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. She will evaluate your condition and offer the best suggestions or medications to keep your teeth and gums in good health without any adverse effect on your condition.
