5 Tips for Dental Care During Pregnancy

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Hello and welcome, dear readers! If you haven't been to the dentist for quite some time, you may be feeling pretty nervous about your next appointment. Do not panic! This blog has been created in the hope that it will provide you with everything you need to know about making a visit to the dentist clinic. We will explore the different treatments available to you, the steps you can take to protect your teeth and gums, and some top tips which will make your appointment straight forward and hassle-free. Make sure that you check back soon for more updates. Thanks!

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5 Tips for Dental Care During Pregnancy

16 January 2020
 Categories: Dentist, Blog


Pregnancy can have a profound effect on all areas of the body, including your gums and teeth. To protect your oral health while you are pregnant, it is important to work with a dentist you can trust. Here are a few things you need to know about receiving dental care during pregnancy.

1. Attend Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are more important than ever when you are pregnant. The hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy can make you more vulnerable to gum disease and oral infections, so it is important to see a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

2. Let Your Dentist Know

You should always tell your dentist that you are pregnant. This information allows the dentist to ensure all the cleaning products, anaesthetics and other substances they use in your treatment are safe for use in pregnant women. Telling your dentist you are pregnant can also help them to schedule your treatments appropriately.

3. Don't Put Off Dental Repairs

If you need a filling, root canal or other necessary dental treatment, it is best to have it carried out during the first or second trimester. By the third trimester, the size of your bump can make it uncomfortable to lie in the dentist chair for long periods.

4. Consider Delaying Cosmetic Treatments

While you should not avoid necessary dental work such as fillings and tooth extractions during pregnancy, some cosmetic treatments are best left until after the birth. The chemicals that dentists use to whiten teeth are not fully tested in pregnant women. While there is no evidence that they pose a significant risk to the developing foetus, dentists are not able to guarantee that they are safe. Schedule teeth whitening for after the birth as a treat to yourself as a new mother.

5. Ask About Pain Relief

Dentists recommend that dental procedures during pregnancy should be carried out using as little anaesthetic as possible to minimise any potential risks to the baby. In particular, most dentists are keen to avoid putting pregnant patients to sleep due to the increased risk of general anaesthetic during pregnancy.

However, this policy does not mean that you should suffer in silence. Stress can also be harmful to unborn children, so it is not expected that you should suffer through a dental procedure with no pain relief. Lidocaine, the most commonly used dental anaesthetic during pregnancy, is not known to have any effect on an unborn baby, although it does cross the placenta.

Be sure to discuss pain relief with your dentist so you know what options are suitable for you and your child. For more information, contact a dental office like Dentist 4 U.