It’s a common misconception that you should avoid the dentist while you’re pregnant when in reality, you might possibly need to see your dentist even more than usual! The American Dental Association has many articles explaining that visits with your dentist during pregnancy are completely safe and highly encouraged. Many of the decisions made at the dental office are ok to make even without clearance from your OB/GYN because of how routine they are. That includes some antibiotics for things like infections, local anesthetics for work that needs to be done, and even x-rays!
Another misconception people have is that you have to avoid x-rays while pregnant. This is not the case at the dental office, x-rays are safe to take during pregnancy with that protective shield over your belly and throat. The ultimate decision is yours to make but we just want to clear up the air!
Some women actually seek out the help of a dentist a little more frequently while pregnant. Especially those that have had severe morning sickness. Since morning sickness increases the contact your teeth and gums have to acid, there could be a worry for dental erosion or gum inflammation. Your gums can swell up and bleed during pregnancy because of the change in hormones in your body. To combat that, you want to make sure you brush thoroughly and often and floss every single day.
So the next time you find yourself second guessing if you should make that dental appointment while you’re pregnant, just give us a call! We’d love to see you!
-Webster Dental Associates
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