Dental Health and Pregnancy

Dental Health and Pregnancy

If you have become pregnant, it’s important to take extra care of your teeth and gums. This is because hormonal changes make your gums softer than usual and more likely to become infected and develop plaque. This can cause further complications such as bleeding and swelling. Take care of your teeth by brushing twice a day and regular dentist visits. You may also need to visit a hygienist to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly.

Are dental treatments safe during pregnancy?

Dental check-ups and local anaesthetics are perfectly safe during pregnancy. If you need antibiotics, your dentist can prescribe drugs which are considered safe to take during pregnancy.

X-rays are also generally not recommended during pregnancy, but if you need root canal surgery, you will need to have an X-ray done. Abdominal shields, however, can be used during X-rays, which shield your baby from the X-rays. In addition, the Department of Health recommends that women not have amalgam fillings replaced while pregnant.

Is pregnancy damaging to teeth?

There is a popular belief that being pregnant doesn’t cause damage to your teeth. The idea was that pregnancy can cause women’s teeth to loosen or fall out due to pregnancy-related calcium deficiency. This isn’t actually true. Pregnancy itself causes no damage to your teeth at all. A healthy, balanced diet will provide you with all the calcium you need during pregnancy, so stock up on calcium-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables and fish such as sardines and salmon.

Dental rights

Every pregnant woman who is registered with the NHS is eligible for free dental treatment while they are pregnant, and for 12 months after the birth of their baby. You’ll need to present your maternity exemption certificate (available from your midwife or doctor) to your dentist in order to get free treatment.

Are you pregnant and in need of Dental Treatment?

If you are pregnant and in need of dental treatment and are based in the Stafford, Stone, Stoke and Wolverhampton area, we can provide you with excellent dental advice, treatment and support so you are healthy and safe during your term. Please contact us today and make a booking.