Is it safe to visit the dentist while pregnant?

There are several myths and half-truths about visiting the dentist when pregnant. The truth is that taking care of your teeth and gums while pregnant is important for you and your unborn baby. A variety of oral health treatments – including teeth cleaning, x-rays, pain medication, and local anaesthesia – are safe throughout pregnancy, if carried out by an experienced dentist.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we appreciate that pregnant women have important dental needs and we are here to help and treat you through every step of your pregnancy. Taking care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant, is really crucial, because hormonal changes in your body can increase the risk of gum disease.

pregnant-womenRed and swollen gums during pregnancy are indicative of a condition known as ‘pregnancy gingivitis’, which can start within two months of your pregnancy. This is because the hormone progesterone can be much higher than normal during pregnancy, affecting the body’s response to bacteria. Your Harley Street dentist will remove plaque build-up and apply fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from further decay.

At the same time, issues that affect your health, can also affect your baby’s health too. If possible, try to visit your Harley Street dentist before becoming pregnant. This way, any potential problems can be addressed in advance. While there is no evidence to suggest that dental work is prohibitive at any stage of your pregnancy, it is recommended to avoid dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester of your pregnancy.

However, you can visit your Harley Street dentist for a dental check-up at any stage in your pregnancy. In contrast, elective procedures that require surgery such as dental implants, can wait after you’ve had your baby.

At the same time, it is really important to avoid sugary foods throughout your pregnancy. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and trying to keep a healthy and balanced diet, will be beneficial for you and your baby in the long run.

When you schedule your appointment, inform your dentist that you are pregnant. This information will help them customise your dental care and address potential health problems and concerns throughout your pregnancy.