Is It Safe To Get Dental Procedures While Pregnant?

Is Oral Surgery Safe?

With so much going on in the body, it’s natural to worry about the effects of medical procedures, including oral surgery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that non-emergency dental work, including root canals, fillings, and extractions, can usually be done during pregnancy with precautions such as avoiding certain medications and ensuring adequate pain relief.

However, elective procedures like cosmetic dentistry should be postponed until after delivery to avoid unnecessary risks. Communication between your dentist in Houston and OB-GYN is essential to ensure coordinated care that keeps you and your baby safe.

Anesthesia in local areas is usually safe for pregnant women. Other anesthetics, including oral sedation, laughing gas, and general anesthesia, are not recommended during pregnancy.

An oral surgeon uses as little medication as possible when administering local anesthesia to a pregnant patient but enough to give the patient a comfortable experience.

Importance of Dental Care During Pregnancy

Dental care during pregnancy is vital as it helps to prevent oral problems.

• Prevents Gum Disease

Throughout pregnancy, women may be at increased risk for gum disease. This can lead to tender, swollen gums that bleed easily.

Fortunately, this condition is treatable during pregnancy safely. During treatment, a dentist near you can do a deep clean under your gums to remove bacteria.

Unfortunately, many women don’t get the dental care they need during pregnancy. This is probably because of concerns about the safety of oral health care during pregnancy or because they don’t have access to dental insurance.

Visiting your Southwest Houston dentist for preventive, diagnostic, and restorative treatment during pregnancy is safe, with local anesthetics available to protect your baby’s health. X-rays are also generally safe during pregnancy, although you should postpone any x-rays until your baby is born to protect your and your baby’s health.

• Prevents Dry Mouth

This can result from the hormonal shifts that occur during your pregnancy. Lack of saliva in your mouth can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Your dentist can help you get your dry mouth under control.

Women can also prevent oral health problems by maintaining a healthy diet. You can include plenty of calcium and Vitamins A and C, eat less sugary foods and keep your teeth clean.

However, many pregnant women do not seek dental care while they are pregnant. Those who receive regular dental services during their pregnancy will likely have higher annual household income, education, and insurance than those who do not.

• Protects the teeth

During pregnancy, oral care is extremely important. Hormonal changes during pregnancy predispose you to periodontal disease, leading to tooth decay and loss. It is recommended that pregnant women visit the dentist regularly to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet and limiting sugary foods can reduce the risk of tooth decay. Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy protects a mother’s teeth and benefits the baby’s health.

Research suggests that gum disease during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. Pregnant women must prioritize oral care to ensure the best outcomes for themselves and their babies.

• Prevents cavities

Oral care is crucial in preventing cavities caused by bacteria in our mouths. These bacteria produce acid that erodes the enamel on our teeth, leading to decay. By practicing good oral hygiene, we can prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities.

During pregnancy, you should floss at least once daily. You can do this before or after brushing. You can also use a floss holder or other tools to help with your routine.

Dental floss helps reduce gum disease, the most common oral health problem during pregnancy. It can also improve your breath. Flossing is also more effective at removing plaque between teeth than brushing alone.

Additionally, reducing our consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent cavities. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can catch and treat any cavities early on. Good oral care habits prevent cavities and maintain optimal dental health.

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Visit Mi Casa Dental for more information about dental care during pregnancy.