Routine dental care can be performed at any time during pregnancy. Any urgent procedure can also be performed. However, all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after delivery. However, emergency dental treatment, such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction, is sometimes necessary.
Elective treatments, such as teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, should be postponed until after birth. It is best to avoid this dental work during pregnancy and avoid exposing the developing baby to risks, even if they are minimal. Studies on the effects of dental medications during pregnancy are contradictory. Lidocaine is most often used in dental procedures and enters the placenta.
However, it is not clear if it has any adverse effects on the baby. Everyone, and especially pregnant women, should visit the dentist. If you're pregnant, you're at higher risk for gum disease, so make sure to visit your dentist for regular cleanings, exams, and any other treatment you need. Oral health care, including having dental x-rays and receiving local anesthesia, is safe at any time during pregnancy.
1, 2 In addition, the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agree that emergency treatments such as extractions, root canals, or restorations can be performed safely during pregnancy and that delaying treatment can lead to more complex problems, 1, 2 Although the ACOG has a statement regarding the postponement of elective non-obstetric general surgery and some invasive procedures (for example, during pregnancy, people may be at increased risk for oral conditions such as gingivitis and tooth decay, and both the obstetrician and dentist should advise them on the importance of good oral hygiene during pregnancy. Martin is a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you plan to have a baby, it's wise to make an appointment with your dentist before you start. Your dentist knows your dental health situation and can recommend additional precautions, such as additional cleanings.
They usually go away after the baby is born, but if you're worried, talk to your dentist to remove them. However, there is no evidence to suggest harm to the baby for those who choose to visit the dentist during this period. Dentists do not recommend periodontal cleaning or treatment at this time, however, in some cases they may recommend periodontal therapy until the 32nd week of pregnancy. If you need to have an extraction, talk to your dentist and obstetrician about safe pain relievers and antibiotics.
For your child's dental health, a visit to the dentist should be made as soon as the first tooth comes out, but no later than his or her first birthday. Dentists are encouraged to ask about pregnant or postpartum patients' history of alcohol and other drug use, including nicotine. A dentist should be treated as an extension of your health care team, and most dental services and procedures can still be performed while you are pregnant with your child. Most dentists agree that additional dental cleaning during pregnancy is a good precaution against pregnancy gingivitis and its associated risks.
If your pregnancy is high-risk or you have certain medical conditions, your dentist and doctor may recommend postponing some treatments. As health professionals, dentists are encouraged to advise these patients to avoid the use of these substances and to urge them to disclose such use to their primary care providers. A follow-up with your dentist may take place soon after birth, after you have recovered, and should be scheduled no later than your biannual checkup. .
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