Oral health during pregnancy

During pregnancy overall health including your oral health is important. Between decorating the nursery and visiting your OB-GYN, also visit your dentist for a checkup!

It’s important to maintain a good home care routine.

• Brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day
• Floss at least everyday
• Rinse after snacks and meals
• Visit the dentist every 6 months, maybe more frequently during pregnancy
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Teeth Whitening While Pregnant, because use of tooth whitening products that contain or generate hydrogen peroxide results in release of in- organic mercury from dental amalgams, these products should be avoided during pregnancy by patients who have amalgam restorations.

Citation: Al-Salehi SK. Effects of bleaching on mercury ion release from dental amalgam. J Dent Res 2009;88(3):239-43.

During pregnancy you may experience morning sickness. The stomach acid can coat the teeth when you vomit, which can cause dental erosion and increase the risk of tooth decay.

• If you vomit, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water to stop acid from attacking your teeth.
• In some instances, morning sickness and vomiting/reflux may contribute to the onset of perimyolysis, an erosion of the lingual surfaces of the teeth caused by exposure to gastric acids.
• A pregnant adolescent experiencing morning sickness or gastroesophageal reflux should be instructed to rinse with a cup of water containing a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and to avoid tooth brushing for about one hour after vomiting to minimize dental erosion caused by stomach acid exposure.
• Women should be advised about the high sugar content and risk for caries associated with long term frequent use of over the counter antacids.

Is it Safe to Visit the Dentist While Pregnant?

Yes, absolutely! Let your dentist know that you’re expecting as soon as possible. Tell them how far along you are and about any medications you are taking when you arrive at your appointment. Getting regular dental checkups during pregnancy is safe and important for both you and your baby.

Can you get dental work done while pregnant?

Dental work while pregnant, such as cavity fillings and root canals, should be treated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Numbing medications your dentist may use during the procedure are also completely safe you and your unborn baby.

Preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy and is effective in improving and maintaining oral health.

Oral health care, including having dental radiographs taken and being given local anesthesia, is safe at any point during pregnancy. Further, the American Dental Association and the American Congress (formerly “College”) of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that emergency treatments, such as extractions, root canals or restorations can be safely performed during pregnancy and that delaying treatment may result in more complex problems.

Oral Hygiene Routine

With proper hygiene at home and professional help from your dentist, your teeth should remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Content reference are from various sources. Oral Health Topics Pregnancy – American Dental Association, Oral Health Care During Pregnancy: A National Consensus Statement, American Academy Of Pediatric Dentistry,  Keeping your mouth healthy during pregnancy – American Dental Association, CDC Pregnant & Radiation fact sheet.