Can pregnant women get dental work and local anesthesia safely? Dental care during pregnancy is important, and we’ll answer all your questions about scaling, fillings, and tooth extraction, while highlighting the safest timing for both mother and baby.
Why Is Dental Care During Pregnancy More Important Than You Think?
Did you know that during pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes major hormonal changes, especially an increase in progesterone? This hormone directly affects oral health.
Progesterone makes gums more prone to inflammation because blood vessels in the gums expand and respond more sensitively to bacterial plaque. Pregnant women may notice swollen, red gums that bleed easily while brushing.
Even more concerning, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that poor maternal oral health, particularly severe periodontitis, may be linked to risks of preterm birth and low birth weight. Clearly, dental health during pregnancy is not a small matter.
Can Pregnant Women Get Dental Work with Local Anesthesia?
According to Thantakit Dental Clinic, local anesthesia for dental procedures is generally very safe for both mother and baby.
- Targeted action: The anesthetic used by dentists works only in the mouth area and does not enter the bloodstream in amounts that could affect the fetus.
- Type of anesthetic: Commonly used anesthetics like Lidocaine are classified as Pregnancy Category B by the U.S. FDA, meaning no risk to the fetus has been observed in animal studies.
- Necessity: Using anesthesia ensures the mother is comfortable and pain-free during treatment, which reduces stress better than enduring pain, which could be more harmful.
Ignoring dental problems such as deep cavities or severe gum inflammation may pose greater infection risks than visiting a dentist. Therefore, anesthesia during necessary dental procedures is safe and recommended.
When is it safest for pregnant women to have dental work?
The best time is the second trimester (4–6 months), when morning sickness has usually subsided, the body has adjusted, and the baby’s major organs are fully developed.
Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?
X-rays can be performed safely if necessary, under dentist supervision:
- Minimal radiation: Modern digital dental X-rays use very low radiation, targeted only at the mouth, far from the abdomen.
- Protective equipment: Dentists provide lead aprons and thyroid collars to shield the mother’s body completely from radiation.
- Only when necessary: X-rays are performed only when required, such as for diagnosing severe dental infections or planning complex treatments. Unnecessary X-rays are avoided.
Questions Pregnant Women Often Ask About Dental Care
Can pregnant women get a dental cleaning?
Yes! Pregnant women can and should get dental cleanings. Scaling removes bacterial plaque that can cause gum inflammation, making it one of the best preventive treatments during pregnancy.
Can pregnant women get fillings?
Yes, fillings are safe and recommended. Leaving small cavities untreated can lead to pain and infection later. Treating cavities during pregnancy is safer than delaying care. Hospitals like Phyathai 3 also advise that necessary dental treatments are allowed during pregnancy.
Can pregnant women have teeth extracted?
Yes, if absolutely necessary, such as for a severely decayed tooth or an infection. Extraction in such cases is important and safe for both mother and baby.
Can pregnant women have wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom tooth extraction is more complex. If there are no symptoms (no pain, swelling, or infection), dentists usually recommend postponing until after delivery.
However, if the wisdom tooth causes severe pain, infection, pus, swelling, or affects adjacent teeth, immediate treatment may be necessary. The risk of leaving an infection untreated is higher than the surgical risk, as bacteria could enter the bloodstream and affect both mother and baby. Dentists perform these procedures with maximum caution to ensure safety.
Simple dental care tips for expectant mothers:
- Always inform your dentist about how many weeks pregnant you are.
- Brush properly at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Floss every day to clean areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Manage morning sickness: If vomiting, rinse mouth with water or a mix of warm water and 1 tsp baking soda before brushing to protect tooth enamel, then wait about 30 minutes to brush.
- Schedule checkups: Visit the dentist when planning pregnancy or immediately after discovering pregnancy for proper monitoring and planning.
Maintaining good dental care during pregnancy protects both the mother and helps build a strong foundation for the baby’s health. Good dental care during pregnancy is essential, so for any concerns, consult your obstetrician and dentist.
Originally published on theAsianparent Thailand
