Written by Sindhuja Prabhu
Dental problems spare no one. Be it a small child, an octogenarian, or a pregnant woman! Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in a woman’s body. Everyone talks about the good changes and then the stretch marks. No one tells you about the possibility of getting dental problems during pregnancy. In this article, we discuss the various dental problems and treatments during pregnancy.
Yes, pregnancy can cause dental issues. The hormonal changes and the increase in calcium levels in your pregnant body, will not only help develop the bones and teeth of your baby but can give your own teeth a bit of trouble too. Not to forget, the other usual dental problems people go through – pregnant or not.
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The biggest question here is, can a pregnant woman visit the dentist? Can she undergo dental treatments, or should she just wait it out and suffer in pain or discomfort until after the delivery?
Don’t worry, pregnant women can visit the dentist. They can get certain regular treatments done and that won’t harm them or the child. What about the more intensive treatments that require anaesthesia, strong medications, or involve a lot of pain? Well, you might have to wait them out unless your gynecologist and dentist say it is safe.
It is important to understand the signs that you are suffering from a dental problem so that you can look for a resolution by talking to your doctor and a dentist.
Here are some telltale signs that you are suffering dental issues in your pregnancy:
Are you pregnant and suffering from some dental issue? Don’t worry, you are not alone. There are many women who experience this negative impact of pregnancy on their otherwise healthy teeth/gums.
Some of the common dental problems pregnant women experience are
Inflammations in the gums, can be a minor swelling but if left untreated, it can lead to more severe gum disease.
[Read : Pregnancy and Gum Diseases]
Yes, hormones (progesterone) can loosen teeth, but they will be alright after the pregnancy.
Cavities can be on the rise during pregnancy. You can even pass these bacteria to the baby, increasing the chances of teeth issues for the baby as they grow.
Oh yes, those wisdom teeth can decide to sprout right in the middle of your pregnancy. Just as your baby’s teeth are developing in your womb, yours can too.
Also known as pregnancy tumors, pyogenic tumors are not cancerous. They are usually benign and form in your gums between your teeth. They tend to bleed easily as they are raw. These bumps can be a result of too much plaque formation on your teeth; which can again be due to increased hormones.
One of pregnancy’s biggest symptoms is morning sickness. Constant vomiting can lead to too much acidity in the mouth. Your stomach acids can erode your teeth enamel.
Some dental problems can be ignored but there are a few that cause immense pain and discomfort. You need to get them fixed right away, for your good – physically and mentally. It is perfectly safe to undergo most dental procedures when you are pregnant. This includes
These are regular dental procedures that do not get tricky or complicated. Dentists are well equipped to handle these procedures without any hiccups. When you are pregnant, some of the above-mentioned procedures are a necessity to maintain your oral health. Ignoring your oral health can lead to many issues in the future.
Let us now take a look at some of the common dental treatments and find out if they are safe for you during pregnancy.
It is best not to expose yourself to any kind of X-rays when you are pregnant. Dental X-rays are relatively safer as doctors cover you with a safety apron and collar. This will effectively shield your baby from harmful radiation. Some dentists also use a protective device to shield your abdomen region. They place this device above your abdomen and only take the X-ray. However, not all dentists might have this facility.
Yes, as mentioned earlier, tooth extraction is safe for a pregnant woman. However, ensure your dentist is well informed about your pregnancy and knows which stage of pregnancy you are in. Also, keep your gynecologist in the loop by keeping them informed about the procedure and medications prescribed to you.
If you are planning to get your wisdom tooth extracted, it is better you wait till you deliver the baby. Most dentists will try to postpone the extraction of wisdom teeth as long as it is not causing any issues. Doctors would like to avoid unnecessary procedures during pregnancy just for caution. No one can predict how a pregnant body will react to certain medications and if after-effects can be felt. Their idea is simple – if it is not an emergency, then it can wait until after your pregnancy. It is always safer this way.
However, if you do decide to get an extraction, it is best to get it done in your second trimester. The hormonal fluctuations and risks are relatively lesser in the second trimester, making it the optimal time for such procedures.
Local anaesthesia that is restricted to a certain spot in your mouth is safe for your dental procedures. General anaesthesia that is either inhaled or injected into your blood is not safe. Dental procedures use only local anaesthesia, so it is perfectly safe. However, consult your gynaecologist before you undergo a dental procedure that requires anaesthesia. Also, keep your dentist informed about your pregnancy. In case of a reaction to the anaesthesia, they will be armed with information to take the next step. Yes, certain people can have allergic reactions to local anaesthesia.
Generally, a root canal treatment is safe during pregnancy. One should remember pregnancy is different for everyone. Just because a friend of yours had a root canal when she was pregnant does not mean you should too. Talk to your dentist to find out if you need to do it right away. If it can wait, it is better to wait it out.
Sometimes simple cleaning and filling can solve the issue or at least control it. If this can suffice until after your pregnancy, doctors will advise doing so. The reason is that your gums could be more sensitive and bleed more than usual. A lot of blood loss and discomfort can be avoided if you are willing to wait for your pregnancy hormones to settle down.
Well, teeth whitening definitely falls under the “safe” category when it comes to pregnancy and dental treatments. However, if not necessary, then it should be postponed until after the birth of your baby.
Pregnancy can cause your gums to get weak and irritate your enamel. It can corrode your teeth faster if you are vomiting constantly. In such a case, it is not advisable to use some chemical bleach to whiten your teeth. There is not enough evidence to say this procedure is harmful during pregnancy, at the same time, there is no evidence saying it is safe either. Since many medical procedures cannot be “tested” on pregnant women, such data is very limited.
Yes, it is perfectly safe during pregnancy. You can go right ahead with those braces when you are pregnant and get your teeth in line before the little one arrives. Keep your dentist informed about your pregnancy so that they can prescribe medicines accordingly.
The only minor issue you might face is while eating. Since you are pregnant, you need to eat healthily and ensure you chew your food well. With braces, you might find it tricky to eat certain foods and the doctor will ask you to avoid certain foods.
Some medicines like pain relievers and certain antibiotics are safe. If you are suffering from severe pain or gum issues, you need medication. You cannot suffer till the end of the pregnancy. Let your dentist know you are pregnant and how far along you are in the pregnancy. Based on these details they will prescribe safe medicines.
It is always a good idea to double-check with your gynaecologist before you consume any medicine. Just keep them informed so that in case of any allergies or side effects, they can connect the dots.
[Read : Antibiotics During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?]
Here is something you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy during your pregnancy. A simple as given below can help you protect them from pregnancy hormones
[Read : Oral Care Tips During Pregnancy]
It is best to see your dentist if you are experiencing any dental issues while pregnant. It could be nothing, but getting it professionally verified is always safer when pregnant. Be it sore gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or just a deep cavity. If it is new and has cropped up only during pregnancy, then it is most likely triggered by your pregnancy. Your doctor should know about it so that they can prescribe tests and treatments or medications accordingly.
When it comes to dental treatments, they are mostly safe. However, if they can be postponed, then please do so, when you are pregnant. If there is no reason to undergo a medical procedure when you are pregnant, it is best to avoid it.
Yes, you can. dental fillings are a non-invasive procedure. They won’t cause you or your baby any harm.
Yes, you can. If your braces are causing more pressure on your sensitive gums, let your dentist know. If the wires are causing any nicks or cuts inside your mouth, get them adjusted as soon as possible.
Yes, you can wear your aligners even through your pregnancy. If your scans and X-rays are completed before conception, it is completely safe. If you are planning to get new aligners, do wait till your delivery.
Read Also: 10 Natural Remedies To Get Relief From Toothache During Pregnancy
Sindhuja, a mother of two, is an obsessive mom with a keen interest in psychology, especially child psychology. Her quest for knowledge and way with words led her to become a passionate content writer. She transformed her love for writing into a full-fledged career which incidentally also turned up being the perfect stress buster for the last 5 years.Read more.
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