As expected of every mother, taking care of your unborn child is a compulsory need that comes with the fetus, as well as all the hormones associated with a pregnancy. One of the most common questions many expectant women have in the course of their pregnancy is dentistry. Should you have that sore gum checked? Will the medication or procedure affect the baby? The flood of hormones that comes with pregnancy sometimes results in swollen gums and bleeding teeth for many women. In some cases, poor dental hygiene in this period results in gum disease and other infections that will require a dentist. This is why it is recommended to have preventive dental procedures done by a dentist during your first trimester. The following are some other areas you should be aware of concerning pregnancy and your dental work.

Dental works during pregnancy

In many cases, a dentist will recommend dental works such as fillings, crown placements, bridges, and other treatments to be done during the second trimester of a pregnancy. Such procedures that are barely invasive have yet to be shown to harm the developing child. Elective, or cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening should often be postponed until after birth. One of the reasons for this is to avoid the discomfort of lying on the dentist chair for a long period while pregnant. Another is avoiding any chemicals that may cross into the placenta. In emergency cases, root canals and extractions may also be done during this period, or whenever the emergency occurs. You should, however, carry a pillow for comfort during long procedures, and always keep your legs apart to maintain circulation for long sessions with the dentist as well.

Dental medications

Since there is a lot of conflicting information about dental medication used and cross-placenta transference, you should inquire first with your dentist before taking up medication. During the first trimester, you should always first inform your dentist that you are pregnant before he or she begins any procedure. The anesthesia the dentist uses should be as minimal as can be. Also, epinephrine-based anesthesia should be avoided. Epinephrine tends to increase the heartbeat, and this could impact your blood pressure levels, as well as the baby's. Basic antibiotics labeled safe for pregnancy are no concern.

A good dentist will always recommend that you avoid X-rays during dental procedures. Many dental procedures require the x-rays, and these may be harmful to your baby's development.

Consultation

Finally, the safest way to handle dental issues during a pregnancy is to consult a dentist. Also, remember to consult with your Obstetrician about your planned dental procedures. See what they think before embarking on a quest to better your teeth. Remember, keep your dentist close during your pregnancy, because it is likely your teeth may need him or her.

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