Some of the most common questions from expectant mothers are about maintaining their work life and keeping up with dentistry. There’s an underlying concern that receiving dental care during pregnancy cause additional health risks. Thankfully, this isn’t the case! In the majority of patients, receiving dental care while pregnancy can serve to improve the health of the mother and the baby. Bluejay Family Dental is here to answer your questions if you’re pregnant or thinking about starting or growing your family. We’ll help you understand how to handle your dental health during pregnancy.
Can You Safely Receive Dental Care While Pregnant?
There’s so much to consider when you first become pregnant. There’s a slew of new appointments to keep up with, a nursery to decorate and fill, and work demands to manage. Your dental care is just another on the long list of things that must be addressed. Women who come to us about this topic are often surprised to learn that we may encourage an additional visit during your pregnancy rather than holding off on care. Recent studies have revealed that oral health concerns, including tooth decay and gum disease, can harm the forming child. Perhaps most surprising is the discovery that the child’s oral health can be impacted before birth. In addition, oral disease has been linked to low birth weights and a marked rise in the risk of premature birth.
However, this doesn’t mean unneeded treatments should be performed during pregnancy. Treatments that are generally safe while your baby is growing include the following:
- Dental Cleaning – As an essential part of keeping your oral cavity healthy, dental cleaning isn’t just safe while pregnant; it’s recommended.
- Restoration Dentistry – Fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, and other forms of dental restoration do more than restore the integrity of your tooth. They also close entryways where infection can set in. If you’re in need of a filling, don’t wait until after your pregnancy to get it.
- Root Canal Treatment – If you require an RCT, you must receive it as quickly as possible, even if you are pregnant. Root canals are often required due to an infection within the tooth’s pulp. This infection is close to the bloodstream and represents a potential risk to your child.
- Dental Imaging – The radiation you’re exposed to during dental imaging, such as an X-Ray, is so minimal that your child isn’t at risk even without a lead vest. However, a lead vest is used during dental imaging just as another layer of protection. This process is entirely safe to have during your pregnancy.
The only dental procedures that you’ll need to avoid until after your pregnancy are elective ones. Dental whitening, enamel reduction, gingival sculpting, and other cosmetic procedures won’t harm your baby, but there’s no reason to put them under additional stress.
Contact Bluejay Family Dental For Care While Pregnant
If you’re beginning your journey to motherhood, or are planning to do so, reach out to Bluejay Family Dental today. In addition to answering your questions about dental care while pregnant, we can provide education on dental care for the child on the way. Call us at (712) 256-6263 to schedule your dental pregnancy consultation appointment today!