Is it safe to undergo dental treatment during pregnancy?

One of the most common question that a pregnant woman is likely to ask is whether dental treatment is safe during pregnancy. There are innumerable dental procedures and here is a guide on which dental procedures can and which cannot be performed during pregnancy.

It is to be noted that if one is planning to get pregnant, it is recommended to get a thorough dental check up done and do all the required treatment's that may be necessary like dental x-ray's, clean up, fillings,root canals and caps beforehand so that the probability of having a dental treatment during pregnancy is greatly reduced.

First Trimester of Pregnancy:

The first three months of pregnancy are known to be the most critical as the baby is still in the very nascent stage of development.

- Dental X-rays should be avoided as far as possible. If it is an emergency and it is absolutely necessary to take an x-ray, it should be ensured that the pregnant woman is wearing a lead apron and a thyroid guard while taking the x-ray so that there is minimal radiation exposure.

- Dentist should guide the pregnant woman on her oral hygiene maintenance during pregnancy. Apart from regular brushing and flossing, good dietary habits are also vital. Also pregnant woman are prone to bleeding from gums, sometimes resulting in swelling and redness of gums.This is due to increased estrogen hormone level during pregnancy.Good oral hygiene helps in maintaining health of the teeth and the gums.

- Elective treatment like bleaching of teeth done for cosmetic purposes should be avoided and postponed after childbirth.

- Emergency treatment's like root canal and extractions can be performed, but with minimal or no x-rays, and if possible should be delayed to after birth or atleast till the start of the second trimester(see below).

Second Trimester of Pregnancy:

-This is known as the safest period to undergo dental treatment.

- Scaling and polishing(clean up) can be performed.

- Emergency dental treatment like root canal and extractions can also be done.

- Simple procedures like dental fillings can be done.

- Use of dental x-ray should still be minimal or zero.

- Oral hygiene maintenance instructions to be followed carefully.

Third Trimester of Pregnancy:

- Dental treatment ,if performed, should be of a very short duration as there are severe postural issues during this period.

- Emergency treatment ,if possible, should be avoided till after birth.

- Elective dental procedures (for cosmetic purposes) to be avoided.

Medications taken during or after dental treatment should be strictly taken after consulting the dentist and/or gynaecologist.