Many of us have wondered: “Can I go to the dentist while pregnant?” Seeing as pregnancy lasts 9 months and dental check-ups are recommended every 6 months, the two are sure to overlap. Also, if a toothache or some other dental issue should arise during pregnancy, you might be wondering what is safe and what is not and if timing during the pregnancy factors into it.
Veneers or Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy
Common sense can factor in a bit. For example, if you are considering cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening or veneers, it’s best to delay those until a time when you are not pregnant. These are not urgent and can easily wait a few months, so it’s best to avoid the exposure to the chemicals used during the teeth whitening process or the anesthetic used during veneer procedures.
The Second Trimester
If possible to time your treatments at all, then the second trimester is recommended as the best time. But, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist and discuss all your concerns at any time during pregnancy. And of course, if there’s pain, infection or any sort of dental emergency then you must get to the dentist right away.
X-Rays and Medications
X-rays and medications should be used with caution during pregnancy. Be sure to let your dentist know that you are pregnant so they can take all steps necessary to minimize risk. When dental x-rays are required during pregnancy, Health Canada recommends keeping the radiation dose from x-rays to a minimum level where a significant hazard is not constituted. Your dentist will also use the lead apron to minimize exposure to you and your baby. Talk to your dentist about the necessity of any dental x-rays during pregnancy.
Anesthesia
Generally it is best to keep stress levels down on yourself and the baby. If a dental treatment is required that requires anesthesia, it’s good to try to use the minimum amount but not to the point where you will feel pain. Again, any medications during or after the treatment should be discussed carefully with your dentist and kept to the minimum possible.
At Kits Family Dental in Vancouver, we are very accustomed to treating patients who are pregnant, sometimes patients are on their second or third pregnancies with us! We are always happy to take the time to fully discuss and consider which course of action is best, and especially with our pregnant and trying to conceive patients. And if you require a pediatric dentist for your new little arrival, we are also very experienced in children’s dentistry and would love to meet them.
