Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for every woman. Many women consider it as a new birth of womanhood.

However, throughout this journey, many myths persist, especially about healthcare decisions. Many women have concerns about undergoing dental procedures while expecting, and if they can take prescribed medicines or not.

This guide, by Dr Purva Agrawal, Dental Surgeon at Dr Purva’s Dental Clinic in Udaipur, will help you explore the safety of dental care for expecting mothers, the potential risks of poor oral health, and the best practices for maintaining dental hygiene during pregnancy.

Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?

Maintaining good oral health is important during pregnancy. “You can easily opt for dental care during pregnancy”, as it is completely safe when proper precautions are taken, says Dr. Purva. She adds that delaying the needed dental treatment is not advisable for the pregnant woman, as it will cause more discomfort during the trimesters.

It’s natural to feel concerned, and it’s crucial to prioritize the health of both mother and baby.

However, with proper care and communication with your dentist and obstetrician/ gynaecologist, most dental treatments can be safely performed.

Poor dental hygiene or neglecting oral health can lead to various risks like gum diseases, making it essential to address any dental concerns promptly during this critical time.

It’s crucial to keep up with routine dental check-ups and timely treatment if required to prevent these potential issues that could impact both the mother and the baby.

Tips For Dental Care During Pregnancy

Here’s what you need to know:

• Hormonal Changes: In pregnancy, every expecting mother goes through hormonal fluctuations that affect oral health, leading to conditions like pregnancy gingivitis, making gums more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque. And because of this, you must go for regular dental check-ups.
• Infection Prevention: Untreated dental problems can increase the risk of infection, which can be harmful to both mother and baby.
• Safest Trimester: While dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy, the second trimester is often considered the safest option.
• Inform Your Dentist: Always inform your dentist that you’re pregnant, including how far along you are, so they can take extra care like Lead apron during X-rays.
• Discuss Symptoms: Share any symptoms like bleeding gums or increased sensitivity with your dentist.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can help prevent dental problems.
• Manage morning sickness: If you experience nausea, it’s essential to rinse your mouth with water after vomiting to neutralise stomach acid.
• Avoid OTC Medicines: It is not recommended to take any over-the-counter medicines, without consulting a dentist. Not all medications are safe during pregnancy, thus it is important to consider the potential side effects, before consuming.

Managing Dental Health During Pregnancy: Procedures and Precautions

Pregnancy brings lots of changes to a woman’s body and this includes her oral health also.

It’s normal to feel concerned about dental procedures during pregnancy. To help ease those worries, here’s a list of some dental treatments that are generally safe and can be considered during this time.

However, there may be additional procedures not included here that are also safe. If your dentist recommends them, you can trust their expertise and consider those as well.

But do remember, before going for any procedure, always inform your doctor about your pregnancy so that they can take measures accordingly.

• Routine check-ups and teeth cleaning: These remain essential throughout pregnancy. It is generally recommended to visit the dentist at least once per trimester. If any dental concerns arise, don’t hesitate to schedule additional visits as advised by your dentist.
• Digital X-rays: The dentist will try to avoid using an X-ray unless necessary. But even if there is a need to take an x-ray, the protective aprons and thyroid collars are used to shield the foetus from radiation.
• Tooth fillings and crowns: If a cavity or damaged tooth requires a filling or crown, these procedures can be performed safely.
• Root Canals or Extractions: Toothaches, infections, or other dental emergencies require prompt treatment like root canal treatment or extractions, regardless of the pregnancy stage.
• Pain Management: Dental professionals can safely manage pain and discomfort using appropriate medications.
• Local Anaesthesia: A permissible dose of local anaesthesia is safe, especially in the second trimester.(Source)

When to Postpone Dental Care in Pregnancy

If you experience a dental problem in the first trimester, and if it can be postponed, the dentist would recommend you get the treatment done in the second trimester. Because, during this time, the organs of the foetus are getting developed.

If you experience it in the third trimester, the dentist might recommend postponing it to after delivery. Because, during these months, it’s quite uncomfortable for women to sit on the dental chair for longer sittings.

However, depending upon the individuals and severity, the dentist might do the treatments in the First & Third Trimester also, following the proper safety protocols.

Most of the dental procedures can be safely performed during pregnancy but there are some treatments which you can postpone.

Elective procedures are those that are not necessary for immediate health reasons, such as teeth whitening or cosmetic procedures. These procedures can often be safely postponed until after delivery, reducing potential risks and discomfort.

Can I Postpone the Treatment till Delivery?

Delaying the dental treatment while pregnant could lead to more tooth pain and can be uncomfortable. Consuming pain-killer medications for longer periods is not recommended. When the dentist recommends getting a dental treatment done, it would make you much more comfortable than just the medications.

Which Trimester is Best for Dental Treatments?

In most of the cases, the Second Trimester (4^th, 5^th and 6^th month) is considered the best for dental treatments during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with unique challenges, including changes in oral health. By understanding the importance of dental care during pregnancy and following the recommendations outlined in this guide, you can ensure a healthy and comfortable experience for both yourself and your baby.

Remember, regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and timely treatment of dental issues are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health throughout pregnancy. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to consult with your dentist and obstetrician/gynaecologist.

For safer oral care during pregnancy, you can schedule your appointment at Dr. Purva’s Dental Clinic, Udaipur.