Dental Care during Pregnancy

Dental Care during Pregnancy

Proper dental care before, during, and after pregnancy is important for you and your baby. Pregnancy hormones can sometimes cause the gums to swell, which makes it easier for food to become trapped between teeth.

The health of your teeth and gums can affect your growing baby.

Dental care recommendations

To help prevent infection and maintain healthy teeth and gums, a thorough oral examination is recommended for all women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Routine cleanings and examinations are recommended throughout pregnancy.

Dental care considerations

• Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or you plan to become pregnant.
• If you are pregnant, avoid routine X-ray exams until after your baby is born. If you are trying to become pregnant, you do not need to avoid X-rays.
  • If you need an emergency procedure that includes a dental X-ray exam during pregnancy, very low levels of radiation will be used, and lead aprons can be used to protect you from radiation.
• Your dentist will discuss the risks and benefits of having dental procedures during pregnancy. If possible, it is best to have dental procedures (such as cavity fillings and crown repair) during the second trimester of pregnancy or after your baby is born.
• If you and your dentist decide to postpone a procedure for any reason, your dentist can recommend treatment to lower the chances of infection until the procedure is performed. This may involve taking certain medicines that are safe to take during pregnancy, such as penicillin or amoxicillin.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Practice good oral hygiene habits at home:
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Brush thoroughly for at least 2 minutes. If you have morning sickness, avoid strongly-flavored toothpastes.
  • Floss at least once a day.
• Visit your dentist to have regular oral exams and cleanings, and if you experience oral problems.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates.
• If you vomit, rinse your mouth with water afterward.

Keep all follow-up visits as told by your dentist. This is important.

Seek dental care if:

• You develop any of the following oral symptoms or they get worse:
  • Pain.
  • Bleeding.
  • Swelling.
  • Inflammation.
• You develop growths or swelling between teeth.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever or chills.

Summary

• Proper dental care before, during, and after pregnancy is important for you and your baby.
• If you are pregnant, routine X-ray exams should be avoided until after your baby is born.
• Your dentist will help you consider the risks and benefits of dental procedures during pregnancy.
• You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss at least once a day.