Amelia Grant

Your oral health has a significant impact on your general health, which means it will have an impact on your kid as well. For many individuals, a check-up every six months is ideal, but your situation may decide how frequently you should visit. It is especially vital while coping with hormone shifts and desires, which can jeopardize your oral health.

Your dentist will typically recommend that you schedule numerous sessions during your pregnancy so that they may assess the state of your teeth and gums, make recommendations for changes to your dental care regimen, and perform any necessary treatments.

Are X-rays Safe During Pregnancy?

One of the most prevalent worries about visiting the dental office while pregnant is exposure to radiation from X-rays. However, current dental X-rays employ extremely low amounts of radiation, and a single dosage is seldom sufficient to induce any detrimental effects on fetal development. Your dentist will additionally protect your infant from radiation by utilizing a lead apron and thyroid protection.

Although X-rays are safe, your dentist may still advise you to avoid them during the first trimester if you're merely getting a normal checkup. However, if you have a dental emergency or severe, non-specific pain, your dentist may still require x-rays to appropriately plan your treatment.

Can I Have Anaesthesia?

Anaesthetics containing felypressin should be avoided during pregnancy since this substance constricts blood vessels; just contact your dentist if you have any queries or concerns about the type of anaesthetic being used.

Your dentist will use the lowest concentration of anesthesia feasible for the type of operation being performed, yet enough to make you feel comfortable. When you are comfortable, your body and baby will be less stressed.

Can I Get a Tooth Extracted When Pregnant?

Dentists will always strive to salvage your tooth before performing an extraction. However, if your tooth is too severely damaged by decay or injury to be healed, it may endanger your oral health and should be removed.

Extractions can be performed at any time during pregnancy, however your dentist may suggest the second trimester as the best time. This allows you to avoid taking X-rays in the first trimester, when your baby is still developing, as well as the pain of having to lay on your back for extended amounts of time in the third trimester.

Is a Root Canal Going to Damage My Pregnancy?

If tooth decay spreads to the interior of your tooth, where the nerve endings are, it can be very painful. Root canal therapy can relieve discomfort by removing contaminated tissue and reconstructing the tooth with a natural-looking crown, eliminating the need for extraction.

If you have a dental emergency, a root canal can be done at any stage of your pregnancy and should not be postponed. However, because X-rays are involved, dental surgery is best performed during the second trimester.

Can I Whiten My Teeth During Pregnancy?

Teeth whitening can be done while pregnant, but your dentist may advise you to postpone most non-emergency dental procedures until after the baby is born. Teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures should be avoided, especially during the third trimester, since it may be painful to lie still while the whitening gel is administered and cured.

If you use a home teeth whitening kit, make sure that the hydrogen peroxide concentration is no more than 6%. Higher doses may cause tissue injury if not administered by a specialist.

Can I Get Orthodontic Treatment While Pregnant?

If you are already getting orthodontic treatment, do not stop because you are pregnant. You can even get new braces fitted while pregnant, however your dentist or orthodontist may advise you to wait until after the delivery due to potential difficulties. 

Braces involve x-rays, which your dentist may want to avoid during the first trimester. If your face and mouth change form as you gain weight during pregnancy, it may be necessary to modify your braces or take fresh impressions of your teeth to manufacture a new set of aligners.

During pregnancy, some women develop swelling in their gums and other face tissues, which can cause discomfort from brace wires and brackets. Your dentist or orthodontist can prescribe safe gels to help dull the discomfort, or you may choose removable plastic aligners if you just have minor orthodontic issues to address.