Believe it or not, your teeth can actually affect the development of your baby.
While it is true that some dental procedures should be left until after you carry the baby through to term, others are highly recommended.
Regular cleanings are a must, but whitening and other cosmetic procedures are best left until after the baby is born, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Overall, it is best to take as few chances as humanly possible in order to decrease the risk of fetal issues significantly.
To Do and Not To Do
Regular cleanings are a must. The crazy changing hormones in your body as you grow the baby can lead to swelling in your gums. This then leads to excess food becoming trapped between the teeth, and infections can rise quickly and wreak havoc. Infections that start like this can actually cause preterm birth. Fillings are ok, as are crowns during your pregnancy.
It is best to get them finished during the second term for the least chance of conflict with a developing baby, and because the later it gets into term three, the more difficult it is to lie still for that long. Sometimes emergency work is necessary, and that is ok. If it is unnecessary, though, then you should wait until your child is born.
Don’t do anything you don’t need to do. Whitening can wait until after baby is born. Some medications and anesthetics can be used in small doses, so just make sure your pharmacist or OB has approved before taking it, just to be safe.
With proper shielding, dental diagnostic x-rays are deemed safe in emergency cases. However, if you feel unsure about anything, ever, be sure to contact our office away and we will find a method to make you as comfortable as possible.
