Pregnancy and Dental Care

The expectant mother needs to pay close attention to her oral health during her pregnancy. Hormonal changes make her more susceptible to gum disease and other oral infections that can affect her health and comfort and that of her developing baby. Routine oral exams and cleaning are safe during pregnancy, and recommended to avoid dental emergencies.

Good oral hygiene before and during pregnancy will go a long way toward preventing oral infections and uncomfortable dental work that may adversely affect the unborn baby. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Avoid refined sugars which encourage dental decay.

Routine dental radiographs (x-rays) during annual exams should be postponed until after the delivery. Risk from x-rays is small but why take any unnecessary chances? The dose of radiation from a single radiograph is not high enough to adversely affect the fetus, but a full set of radiographs exposes you to roughly the same amount of radiation as four days of sunlight. Your dentist should use a lead apron to protect you and your baby if he feels that x-rays are necessary, and if you are having emergency treatment he will almost certainly need them. Elective procedures, such as whitening or other cosmetic work, should be delayed until after delivery to avoid exposing your baby to even slight risks.