Is It Safe to Do Dental Procedures While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
“There might be risks to my baby if I get dental work, right?” “Do I have to get X-rays?” “It should be safe to wait until after my baby is born, right?”
At Passion Family Dental North Lakes, we’ve heard these questions, and a few more, from women wondering whether dental care is safe during pregnancy and nursing. And we only have one, short answer, “yes!”
Routine dental care is very low risk, and many emergency procedures can be performed as well.
And there’s a benefit to you, and your child, – good dental health supports overall health and improves the chances of a good outcome to your pregnancy.
When you schedule your appointment with Passion Family Dental North Lakes, it’s important to tell us if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or nursing a child.
That way, we can work with you to make the best decisions possible for your child. For instance, we would normally wait until after delivery before performing any elective treatments.
Let’s take a closer look at dental treatments for the pregnant or nursing.
Issues associated with pregnancy & nursing
Gingivitis is the most common dental issue for pregnant mothers. During pregnancy the hormone progesterone spikes. This creates more acid in the mouth that can lead to gingivitis.
The increased acid can reach your baby, increasing their risk of premature birth and low birth weight. This is one reason regular checkups and cleans are important during pregnancy.
Tooth decay is another risk of pregnancy. If morning sickness leads to vomiting, the level of acid in your mouth increases, as does the risk for tooth decay. Advanced tooth decay can lead to cavities or even tooth loss.
Bruxism. Many pregnant and new mothers grind their teeth, which can damage teeth and harm the jaw. An unhealthy mum is not good for a healthy baby!
Breastfeeding mums are at an increased risk for tooth decay if they neglect brushing and flossing or don’t stay hydrated.
Nursing mums can lose 5 per cent of their bone mass as their children use more calcium. This can cause gum disease, damaging the gums and causing bone loss from the jaw.
To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet throughout your time breastfeeding, including lots of calcium and vitamin D.
These kinds of issues are why it is important to schedule your routine visits to Passion Family Dental North Lakes during pregnancy and after.
Dental treatment for pregnant women
Be cautious about X-rays. If you visit Passion Family Dental North Lakes regularly, X-rays can be put off until after delivery.
If X-rays are necessary, in cases such as trauma, your North Lakes dentist will protect you with a lead apron and collar to minimise potential X-ray exposure to your thyroid and abdomen.
The second trimester is the best for routine dental procedures. By the second semester, fetal organ development is complete.
For the mum, feelings of nausea and the chance of vomiting may be reduced, and most women should still be comfortable reclining in the dental chair. Major dental surgeries and elective treatments should be put off until after pregnancy.
Nursing mums lose up to 5 per cent of their bone mass. Nursing creates a transfer of calcium to the child.
This can cause gingivitis or periodontal disease, which can damage the gums and cause bone loss of the jaw.
To prevent this, it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet throughout your time breastfeeding, including lots of calcium and vitamin D.
Bruxism. Many pregnant and new mothers grind their teeth, which can damage teeth, harm the jaw and causes stress that can be communicated to a child or embryo.
Be comfortable. To prevent discomfort and pressure on the lower back while reclining in a dental chair, ask for a pillow and take frequent breaks. Also, bring headphones and your favourite music.
Seek dental treatment and have a checkup prior to pregnancy to eliminate any avoidable issues while pregnant.
Dental Treatment and Breastfeeding
Most any treatment other than teeth whitening is safe. There are anaesthetics available that are safe for breastfeeding women and do not impact breast milk.
Regular checkups and cleans are important to keep up while pregnant and breastfeeding to ensure optimal oral health.
Medicines and nursing
Before using a dental medicine, it is wisest to have a consultation with your dentist and your family doctor or paediatrician. But generally speaking, here is what is considered safe.
- Novocaine and other local anaesthetics are considered safe.
- X-rays are considered safe
- Some antibiotics are considered safe
The Passion Family Dental North Lakes Promise!
At Passion Family Dental North Lakes, we believe high quality dental care can only be achieved by placing our customers first.
Dr Sam and our talented staff offer preventative, restorative, general, cosmetic, and emergency care at the highest possible level.
We have free parking, specifically designated for our patients, as well as on street parking
We are wheelchair friendly!
North Lakes dentist also serves local communities in Mango Hill, Deception Bay, Griffin, Murrumba Downs, Redcliffe, Narangba, Petrie, Burpengary, Bracken Ridge and Morayfield.
To book an appointment, call us on (07) 3465 1199 or visit us online here.
We are located at Unit 4/6 Endeavour Boulevard in North Lakes.