We often have questions from patients like “Should I have a dental cleaning and check up when I am pregnant?”. This is a great question. Let me help with trying to enlighten you with some answers to the most often questions that we receive from patients.
-Dental Cleaning is safe and recommended. Low birth-weight babies are linked to unhealthy gums.
-Fillings are best put off until after the pregnancy. If there is a risk of pain or infection, it is best to do it during the second trimester. Sometimes this is not possible, however, as one cannot predict when the patient will develop a cavity. Remember that if you are in pain, the baby is in pain. Avoid that.
-Fluoride is safe if not swallowed.
-Local anesthesia is safe if no epinephrine is used.
-Avoid aspirin and Motrin. Take only Tylenol for pain.
-See you OBGYN with any questions. Remember that what you feel, experience, etc., your baby does too, so if you have a toothache, the baby feels your pain.
-If you have questions, ask us.