Preventative dental cleanings and exams are just as important as ever during pregnancy. A woman is more susceptible during pregnancy to common dental problems than she is before or after. Her baby benefits too from preventative dental care during pregnancy as infections like gum disease have been linked to preterm and low birth weight babies. However, anything beyond cleanings and work needed to avoid or prevent infection/pain should be assessed very carefully. Elective treatments like teeth whitening or other cosmetic work should be postponed until after the pregnancy. While there are no firm links between dental treatments and harm to a fetus, it is a good precaution to have only emergency dental procedures done (other than cleaning, of course) during a pregnancy.
X-rays are often required for many dental procedures. While, one x-ray exam is not sufficient to harm a fetus, usually all non-emergency x-ray exams are also postponed until after birth.
If you are pregnant, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your baby is to stay healthy. Staying healthy includes taking really good care of your teeth and gums. If you do have a problem, it should be addressed before it worsens.
Find out more at YourAmazingSmile.com
Please direct any and all questions to Dr. Bard Levey; Croton-On-Hudson; winner of Westchester Magazine's Top Dentist Award 2009. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
