In addition to eating well and receiving prenatal care, it is very important to maintain good 
oral health during pregnancy.
Many moms-to-be worry about whether they should continue their regular dental appointments or undergo treatment for any conditions that may develop during pregnancy.
Rest assured, going to the dentist when you’re pregnant is not just safe, it’s highly recommended.
Dental Exams are Safe During Pregnancy
- During pregnancy, the main purpose of dental visits is to minimize the risk of infection. Any slight risks involved with seeing the dentist during pregnancy are overshadowed by the benefits of maintaining the patient’s oral health. Pregnant patients should see the dentist for regular appointments, but should avoid cosmetic/elective procedures until after the baby is born.
- Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to gum disease due to increased levels of the hormone progesterone. This results in gums that are swollen and in danger of infection. Left untreated, the condition can cause bone and tissue loss as well as health problems in other parts of the body, such as heart disease.
- New moms can actually pass their bacteria on to their children if the baby’s mouth comes into contact with mom’s saliva. By maintaining good oral hygiene and detecting decay ahead of time at dental appointments, the risk to baby is minimized.
Safety During Dental Appointments
As always, it is important to discuss any medications you are taking with your dentist prior to treatment. Patients who have high-risk pregnancies should consult their OB-GYNs before scheduling a dental appointment.
Overall, though, most pregnant women can only benefit from going to the dentist.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, the second trimester is the ideal time to undergo dental work.
If ever you feel uncomfortable with going in for dental appointments during your pregnancy, our dentists at Fixari Family Dental encourage you to discuss it with your doctor, as well as with us. Your oral health is more important than ever at this time.