Seeing your dentist might not be the first doctor’s appointment you make after learning you’re pregnant, but it’s definitely not one you should skip entirely either. Pregnancy and dental health should go hand in hand. Pregnancy brings so many changes to your hormones that can affect your dental health, so it’s important to do your part in keeping healthy teeth during your pregnancy! 

But is it safe to have dental work done during pregnancy? The answer is YES! It’s healthy and safe to have dental work done during pregnancy. But there are definitely precautions to take to keep you and your baby safe and healthy during your dental visits. Check out these five things women should know about pregnancy and dental health.

It is necessary and safe to have dental work done during pregnancy. And if you do need more work done than just a routine cleaning, that is safe as well! Your health is vital to your baby’s health, and that includes your oral health, so don’t forget to take care of yourself too!

Continue seeing your dentist for your routine dental cleanings and schedule any necessary appointments for other dental treatments that your dentist feels are necessary while you are pregnant. Just remember to let your dentist know you are pregnant when you schedule your appointment. It’s also good to let your OBGYN know you have a dental appointment scheduled. This way, they can let you know if there is anything specific to your pregnancy and health that your dentist should be aware of.

Pregnancy hormones bring so many changes to your body. While some changes are more welcomed than others, it’s important to pay attention to a few changes to your dental health that you might not realize are pregnancy-related. According to the CDC, 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women have gingivitis during their pregnancy. Gingivitis is inflammation and swelling of your gum tissue that can cause soreness or bleeding while brushing. If not treated properly, it can lead to periodontal disease and sometimes decay.

Food cravings during pregnancy can cause an increase in snacking throughout the day. While some snacks are definitely healthier than others, increased snacking can cause more bacteria in your mouth, making you more prone to cavities. Once the baby is born, you can pass the bacteria from your cavities to your baby when you kiss them, so it’s important to have your dentist treat any cavities as soon as possible.

“Children of mothers who have high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss are more than 3 times more likely to have cavities as a child.” – CDC

If you need to have dental x-rays done while pregnant, it is considered safe after your first trimester.

If you are due for a dental cleaning during your first trimester, call your dental office and let them know you are pregnant. It might be best to reschedule your cleaning for your second trimester to prevent an unnecessary second visit for x-rays.

Pyogenic Granuloma are bumps that appear on your gums. They can be extremely painful and can bleed if broken. While the exact cause of Pyogenic Granuloma isn’t known, it is found more commonly in pregnant women. If you see or feel bumps on your gums, make an appointment with your dentist. Pyogenic Granuloma tends to go away after pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, let your dentist know at the beginning of your appointment. Most dental medications are safe to use during pregnancy, and your dentist will prescribe the appropriate medication based on your health and treatment plan. But it’s also important to be aware of the dental-related medications that are not safe to use while pregnant.

Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas used to help you feel relaxed and calm before a dental procedure. Nitrous Oxide is especially helpful for patients who have a fear of the dentist. However, Nitrous Oxide is not safe for use on pregnant women.

Let your dental team know if you feel anxious or fearful during your dental visits. They will discuss alternative treatment options to help you feel comfortable during your visit.

Aspirin and Ibuprofen: Pain relievers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen are not safe to use while pregnant. Speak with your OBGYN to see what pain relievers they recommend for your specific health needs while pregnant.

While there are many parts of pregnancy that are completely out of your control, you can be diligent in taking care of your teeth.As we mentioned above, your hormones encourage unhealthy habits for a healthy mouth, so it’s important to do everything in your power to have healthy teeth during pregnancy.

Pregnancy causes weird cravings at all hours of the day and night and can lead to more or constant snacking. These habits can put your teeth at risk for more cavities. Make it a habit to brush and floss after breakfast, lunch, and dinner to help keep bacteria from building up. If you work during the day, keep a travel-size dental kit in your desk or purse with a toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste to brush and floss after breakfast and lunch. Set alerts to go off on your phone throughout the day until it becomes a habit.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day isn’t just healthy for your body; it’s also healthy for your teeth! The more water you drink throughout the day helps rinse any lingering food particles from the surface of your teeth. 

Rinsing your teeth helps prevent bacteria from building up on your enamel. Drinking more water is a win for the health of your pregnancy and dental health. Check out one of our favorite water bottles for making sure you get plenty of water throughout the day!

Drinking water in place of sugary beverages is also a great way to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy. Your body will thank you too! When you do drink a sugary beverage, it’s best for your teeth to drink it in one sitting and not sip on it throughout the day.

And last but certainly not least, don’t skip out on your dentist! Seeing your dentist for routine checkups is so important to maintain healthy teeth during pregnancy. You have enough to worry about during pregnancy, don’t add tooth pain or discomfort to your list!

Making your oral health a priority is important for your pregnancy and postpartum care. Once you have recovered from giving birth, make an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and checkup to make sure you have maintained healthy teeth during pregnancy.

Do you think it is safe to have dental work done during pregnancy? How did you maintain healthy teeth during pregnancy? Comment Below!