Pregnancy And Dental Treatment
During pregnancy you may go through many changes in your diet and lifestyle for example cutting out alcohol and certain foods. It is important to be aware that there can be changes in the health of your mouth as a result of being pregnant. Changes in hormones during pregnancy can have an impact on the teeth and gums.
Some tips you can follow which will help you maintain a healthy mouth: 
– If possible see a dentist prior to becoming pregnant in order to have any necessary treatment carried out as some treatments are avoided where possible during pregnancy
– Pregnancy gingivitis is a common condition which can manifest as swollen, tender and bleeding gums. This occurs due to changes in your hormone levels and an exaggerated response to plaque present in the mouth. It is important to maintain a meticulous oral hygiene protocol and maintain regular visits with your dental hygienist
– You may make changes to your diet as a result of being pregnant or because of cravings/not liking foods. It is advisable to limit the intake of sugary containing foods and drinks, in particular the frequency of intake which can increase the chance of dental decay
– If you suffer from morning sickness, this can have an impact on the teeth, especially by increasing the risk of damage due to acid erosion. After being sick, don’t brush your teeth for at least 20 minutes as this may increase the damage to your teeth. You may use a mouthwash or chew sugar free gum to reduce the acid levels in the mouth more quickly
Advice on dental treatment:
– Do maintain regular dental and hygiene visits both during pregnancy and after your baby is born
– Dental treatment can be safe during pregnancy, however elective treatment may be avoided
– X rays are avoided unless for a specific reason that can’t wait until after your baby is born. This is a precautionary measure. If you do require X rays it’s best to check if your dentist uses digital X rays, which have a much reduced radiation dose (up to 90% lower)that standard films
– If dental treatment is necessary, this is best performed during the second trimester of your pregnancy as this is the least critical period of the baby’s growth and development
If you require any further advice, please contact us at Brightside Dental on 020 88884401
Ketan Shah
