Contrary to popular belief, dental treatments during pregnancy are not detrimental to the development of the fetus. In fact, in most cases, the opposite is true. Believe it or not, oral health and pregnancy are strongly correlated, and neglecting to look after your dental hygiene while pregnant could have adverse effects on the development of the fetus. Pregnant women should be getting regular dental check-ups to ensure that the surplus of progesterone they are producing is not negatively affecting their dental health. An overabundance of progesterone can cause the gums between the teeth to swell and create pockets between the gums and the teeth that collect food particles, which eventually turn into plaque. If left untreated, this plaque can lead to gingivitis or even periodontal issues or severe tooth decay.
Why Is It Important to Visit the Dentist while Pregnant?
It is absolutely safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy; in fact, it is recommended that you do so, but just be sure to inform your dentist that you are with child and also provide a list of all of the medications you are currently taking. Also, if you are going in for a long procedure that involves anesthesia or medications, the best time to have this done is during the second trimester because by this time the fetus will have developed all of its teeth and vital limbs, but it is also good timing for the parent as well. Waiting until the third trimester might make it more difficult for the expecting parent to lie on their back for extended periods of time. Make sure the dentist is aware of how far along you are in your pregnancy so that they can adjust the procedure and the required medication dosage accordingly.
Is Local Anesthesia Safe during Pregnancy?
The short answer is yes. If you need a root canal or to have a tooth pulled, the numbing medications are perfectly safe for the fetus. But, once again, always inform your dentist that you are pregnant because if an x-ray is required for any of the procedures they plan to perform on your mouth, then they need to take extra precautions to prevent harm to the fetus. Usually, this entails covering your belly and thyroid area with a lead apron so that the radiation from the x-ray machine does make direct contact with you or the fetus. The risk of this happening is very minimal to begin with, but it is always sensible to take the extra safety measures anyway as it is better not to take any unnecessary chances.
Contact Us for Dental Treatments during Pregnancy
Princeview Dental Group is a dental care clinic in Toronto and the GTA. We perform root canal treatment procedures as well as a host of other dental procedures and dental emergencies. We are extremely cautious when it comes to performing any and all dental work during pregnancy. To book a consultation for any treatment, call Princeview Dental Group at (416) 231-4562.
