The Benefits of Dental Treatment for Moms-to-Be
Creating a safe and healthy environment for your little one begins before birth. A pregnancy dental care routine is smart and economical; the choice you can make to protect yourself and your baby. While many moms-to-be do not think of their dental health as part of their prenatal care, many essential benefits come from regular dentist visits.
Reducing Complications
This nine-month journey would be safe and easy for both mother and baby. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy can help to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as preterm labour, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.
Reducing the Risk Of Low Birth Weight
In addition to the risk of various health problems, babies with low birth weight are more likely to suffer from anemia. Good oral health can help reduce this risk by helping to control inflammation and pregnancy dental issues, which can be caused by poor oral hygiene.
Pain Relief
Hormones can cause several changes in the body, including the gums. Increased estrogen levels can cause gums to become swollen, tender and more prone to bleeding. These hormonal changes often lead to discomfort and pain in the mouth, but pregnancy dental treatment can help alleviate these symptoms.
Healthy Mom and Baby
Staying on top of a regular dental care routine and talking to your doctor and dentist about potential issues can help ensure that both mom and baby stay healthy and mom enjoys a healthy smile throughout her nine-month journey!
Types of safe Dental Treatments During Pregnancy
Many common treatments and procedures are safe during pregnancy, as long as they are completed by an experienced dentist with knowledge of the special needs. With the right precautions, there are many safe dental treatments available for expectant mothers.
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatments are usually safe, provided the procedure is performed with proper safety precautions.
Crowns, Bridges, and Cavity Filling
Food craving and consuming sugary foods is the main reason for dental cavities among mothers-to-be. Crowns, bridges and fillings can be safely done as long as any anesthesia is safe for the baby.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are safe for pregnant women to receive as long as the amount of fluoride is monitored.
Regular Dental Exam and Cleaning
Pregnancy dental exams, checkups and cleanings are safe. At the dental checkup, your dentist will examine your mouth for signs of gum disease. This includes checking for swollen and tender gums, redness, and inflammation.
Extractions
If a tooth needs to be extracted, it can be done safely for the mother and baby as long as the mother takes antibiotics before and after the procedure. Your dentist may also recommend oral rinses to reduce post-operative swelling and discomfort.
Safety Precautions for Dental Treatment During Pregnancy
When it comes to pregnancy dentistry, safety is of the utmost importance. It is always recommended to review all safety precautions with your dentist before any treatment takes place. The following list outlines some essential safety precautions to skip the dangers of dental work while pregnant:
- Reconsider scheduling any dentistry under sedation until the baby is born, as there can be risks to anesthesia while pregnant.
- Avoid any X-rays or radiation treatments during the first three weeks of pregnancy, as this could potentially be damaging to the baby’s development.
- We suggest delaying any kind of dental work while pregnant from the first trimester to after that.
- Discuss proper hygiene and nutrition with your dentist; good hygiene and nutrition can help keep your teeth healthy.
- Take antibiotics as prescribed if your dentist recommends them, but never take them without consulting your doctor first.
- While pregnant in the second trimester, many dentists will perform most procedures except root canal work in case it leads to an infection that could harm the baby.
- While pregnant in the third trimester, most dentists will not perform dental work until after the baby’s birth. This is because there is a risk of premature labour and delivery if extensive dental work is done during this stage.
Following these safety precautions before and during your dental treatments can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
Smile Bright, For the Life of Two!
If you expect and need a dental checkup, do not put it off!
Undergoing dental treatment while you have a baby is safe and beneficial for your health and your baby’s health.
At Acacia Dental Clinic, we offer comfortable, professional care for mothers-to-be who need the peace of mind a dental visit can provide. For a stress-free experience, call today to schedule your appointment!
