Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body, and understanding how these changes affect overall health, including oral health, is a common concern. Many wonder about the safety of routine dental care during this special time. Maintaining good health, from nutrition to dental care, plays an important role in a healthy pregnancy journey.
Dental Cleanings and Pregnancy Safety
Routine dental cleanings are safe and recommended during pregnancy. Major dental organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) confirm that preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental treatment can be performed safely at any point. This includes the use of local anesthesia and dental X-rays.
Local anesthetics, like lidocaine, are considered safe for pregnant patients. Lidocaine is classified as a Pregnancy Category B drug, indicating that animal studies have not shown fetal risk, and no controlled studies in pregnant women have demonstrated harm. Dentists use the minimum effective dose to ensure comfort and minimize potential risks.
Dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy, with modern low-dose digital technology and proper shielding. Dental professionals use a lead apron and often a thyroid collar to cover the abdomen and thyroid gland, minimizing radiation exposure to the developing fetus. While non-urgent X-rays may sometimes be postponed until the second trimester for comfort, emergency X-rays should not be delayed if needed for diagnosis or treatment. Elective cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening, should be postponed until after delivery.
Importance of Oral Health During Pregnancy
Maintaining good oral health is important during pregnancy due to the physiological changes that occur. Hormonal fluctuations, increased estrogen and progesterone levels, can heighten the body’s inflammatory response to plaque. This often leads to a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” characterized by red, swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. Between 60% and 70% of pregnant women experience some form of gingivitis.
Beyond gingivitis, pregnant individuals may also face an increased risk of cavities. This can be attributed to several factors, including changes in dietary habits, increased sugar cravings, and the acidic environment created by morning sickness and frequent vomiting.
Research has explored potential connections between poor maternal oral health, particularly periodontal disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Studies continue to investigate these links, but maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing dental issues promptly are proactive measures for the health of both the pregnant individual and the baby. Furthermore, cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted from a mother to her infant, emphasizing the importance of maternal oral health for the child’s future dental well-being.
Preparing for Your Dental Visit While Pregnant
Open communication with your dental team is important when you are pregnant. Inform your dentist and hygienist about your pregnancy status, including how far along you are and any medications you are taking. This allows the dental team to tailor your care appropriately and consult with your obstetrician if needed.
During your visit, the dental team can make adjustments to ensure your comfort and safety. Lying flat on your back for extended periods, especially in later trimesters, can lead to supine hypotensive syndrome, where the growing uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, potentially causing a drop in blood pressure. To prevent this, the dental chair can be adjusted to a semi-reclined position, or a pillow can be placed under your right hip to tilt you slightly to the left.
The second trimester, generally between weeks 14 and 20, is often ideal for non-emergency dental procedures due to fetal development and a reduction in early pregnancy symptoms. However, emergency dental issues, such as severe pain or infection, should be addressed immediately regardless of the trimester. If you experience morning sickness, rinsing your mouth with water or a baking soda solution after vomiting can help neutralize stomach acid and protect tooth enamel before brushing.