During pregnancy, a woman’s gums do get softer and can harbor bacteria, but you can avoid developing gingivitis and soreness by paying particular attention to dental hygiene.
In case you haven’t been totally diligent about flossing, pregnancy is the time to start. Interdental care is especially important right now; the key is to prevent gum inflammation, and flossing takes only a minute or two a day. A final rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash is a great idea, and most are safe for mother and baby (just be sure not to swallow any, as they do contain alcohol).
In general, the best time for any kind of dental treatment is the second trimester, when the pregnancy is stable and the risk of stress-induced premature labor is the lowest.
While there may have been some truth to the old adage “have a baby, lose a tooth” in the past, most women these days take good enough care of their teeth and have adequate nutrition that there’s no need to fret.
Tooth Sensitivity
If morning sickness makes you vomit, you should wait half an hour before brushing your teeth. Why? The stomach acids stick to the enamel on your teeth, making them more sensitive. If you just rinse your mouth out with water, you’ll probably feel better soon.
Regular Cleanings
During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist. Hormonal fluctuations cause changes to a woman’s gums so they’re more susceptible to plaque, which can lead to gingivitis.
Plus, after the baby is born, you probably won’t have time to go to the dentist for a while – at least not in the first few months – so it’s best to get it taken care of now.
Be sure to let your dentist’s office know that you’re pregnant when you make the appointment.
Dental Emergencies
In the case of a root infection (root canal) or acute periodontitis (gum inflammation), you’ll need to have dental treatment immediately. Root infections are very painful, so chances are you won’t want to wait any longer than necessary.
If you’re having dental surgery, you’ll need anesthesia. The FDA has ruled that most common anesthesias, including Lidocaaine, Mepivicaine and Prilocaine, are safe during pregnancy. However, it’s advised not to use these in conjunctions with vasoconstrictors, which are common in dental procedures, so be sure to discuss it in full with both your OB and your dentist beforehand.
A gum inflammation hurts less than an inflamed root, but for the wellbeing of the unborn child, it must also be treated immediately. There are indications that untreated infections (not just in the jaw area) can lead to miscarriages or preterm labor. Anestheia is often not necessary to treat periodontitis, but you’ll need a strong stomach because the inflamed gums can bleed profusely.
Things to Avoid
Your dentist should only perform X-rays if it’s absolutely necessary and should always use an abdominal shield to protect the baby; small amounts of X-ray radiation will not harm a fetus, but it is still best avoided if possible. Please remember this if you’re trying to become pregnant and your period is due or late – there’s a very good reason that your dentist asks you if it’s possible that you’re pregnant before every X-ray.
While you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t have any amalgam fillings removed or new ones put in. In any event, amalgam fillings aren’t used much nowadays. Instead, ceramic or plastic fillings are generally preferred. If you have a cavity that is at risk of becoming infected, you should have it filled.
Having larger, non-emergency procedures, such as getting dental implants, isn’t recommended during pregnancy. For one thing, they require the strongest anesthesia. And during pregnancy, women have more bleeding with procedures and less ability to fight off infection.
Medications
The fewer medications, the better, is the rule for the entire pregnancy. If it can’t be avoided, however, doctors and dentists can prescribe certain antibiotics. Also, acetaminophen is deemed acceptable as a painkiller for pregnant women. Do not, under any circumstances, take any medications that are still in your medicine chest without consulting your doctor first!