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Parentpedia
Dental Work
Taking care of your teeth and gums is always important, but especially so when you're pregnant. Hormonal surges during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease, which studies show can affect the health of your baby.
If you have a toothache or your gums are bleeding frequently and causing you pain, call your dentist. Be sure to let her know that you're pregnant and tell her about every medication you're taking, including prenatal vitamins.
Here is a list of dental do's and don'ts for pregnant women:
Teeth cleaning
Not only is it safe to get your teeth cleaned during pregnancy, it's highly recommended that you get regular dental care.
About half of pregnant women get "pregnancy gingivitis" — red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when you brush or floss.
If untreated by a dentist, it can develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis, in which the gum infection spreads into the bone and other supporting tissue. Studies show that women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to deliver prematurely. This risk is significantly reduced with dental treatment.
X-rays
If you can, put off any X-rays until after you have your baby. If you have a dental emergency and X-rays can't wait, your dentist can take precautions with abdominal shielding to protect you and your baby.
Mercury Fillings
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, fillings containing mercury do not pose a health risk, except if someone is allergic to them. Although there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this issue, no studies have proven otherwise.
Bleaching Teeth
Not a lot is known about the effects of teeth bleaching on a fetus. The peroxide used in bleaching causes oxidation, which can be harmful to tissues and cells, but it's not known if that can affect your baby. To be safe, wait until after your baby is born and you're done nursing to have your teeth bleached.
Elective Dental Procedures
Because your gums may be extra sensitive you may want to put off any elective dental work until after you've had your baby.
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