Dental Care FAQ for Pregnant Women
Learn why good oral health is important during pregnancy and what kinds of dental care are appropriate.
For many years, dentists and pregnant women avoided one another out of a misguided idea that dental care could be harmful for babies. As late as 2009, a survey found that 77 percent of OBGYNs had had patients complain of being refused dental care due to pregnancy.
The truth of the matter is:
Visiting the dentist is actually very important for pregnant women.
The following FAQ will help explain some of the issues surrounding pregnant women’s oral health in detail.
Why Is Good Oral Health So Important for Pregnant Women?
Good oral health is important for pregnant women for several reasons. First of all, pregnant women are naturally more susceptible to gum inflammation. If they do not take good care of their teeth and gums, they could develop gum disease and potentially even lose a tooth. The big problem here is that the oral bacteria could be spread to the baby after it is born, perpetuating the cycle of poor oral health in the family.
Additionally, poor oral health has been linked to certain adverse outcomes such as low birth weight babies by some studies. This may stem from the fact that oral infections have the potential to spread from the mouth and affect other systems of the body.
What Kinds of Dental Procedures Can I Have While Pregnant?
You can certainly have any routine dental procedure that may be needed for good health during your pregnancy. However, cosmetic dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.
The best time for dental work is the second trimester. If you have not had a routine dental cleaning in the past 6 months, be sure to get a cleaning at this time.
Additionally, if you have a dental emergency such as a toothache, abscessed tooth, broken tooth, etc., you can and should seek dental treatment. Again, you do not want a diseased tooth to provide a pathway for infection to the rest of the body. Plus, you do not want to be put in a position where you are in so much pain you are tempted to self-medicate with drugs that could be dangerous for the baby.
Why Do My Gums Bleed?
You may have a low-level gum disease infection. Pregnant women’s gums are naturally more susceptible to gingivitis due to hormonal changes. Normally good oral hygiene at home is sufficient to handle the problem, but if you are worried see your dentist.
What Is This Bump on My Gums?
A few women develop “pregnancy tumors” on their gums due to an excess buildup of plaque between teeth. These red bumps are harmless and may disappear on their own after the birth. Again, if you are worried see your dentist.
Can I Get an X-Ray While Pregnant?
Yes, the radiation from dental x-rays is quite low and will not harm the baby. Even so, your dentist will take extra care to minimize exposure even further for complete peace of mind.
