Dental work and pregnancy are not mutually exclusive. Most dentists agree that no elective dental treatment should be performed during the first trimester when the baby's body is forming. However, if mom is suffering with dental pain, this pain affects the unborn baby so emergency dental care should be performed for the baby's sake. In fact, most obstetricians allow most dental work to be done during the third trimester.
When thinking about dental work and pregnancy, the most important and needed dental care is a thorough dental cleaning and polishing. Pregnant moms often suffer with pregnancy gingivitis. An old myth is that a woman's teeth become soft after she becomes pregnant. No! What happens is that the gums swell and food can more easily get trapped around the teeth. This often leads to tooth decay. Both excellent home and professional gum care is essential.
One of the primary issues with dental work and pregnancy that during the third semester the baby has significantly grown in size and weight. When mon lays back in the dental chair, the uterus with the baby inside presses on the large veins that return blood to heart from legs. This can cause difficulty standing up after the dental visit and the possibility of collapsing when standing up. Mom should be allowed to sit up on the side of the dental chair for a few minutes before standing up and leaving.
Dental work and pregnancy issues become very important when you consider that studies have shown that there is a relationship between dental infections and systemic medical problems, including low birth weight and pre-term babies. Be absolutely sure to tell the dental hygienist that you are pregnant! The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Because we know that having a baby can be stressful, we will do everything we can to help you obtain your needed dental care comfortably. If you wish to schedule a free dental consultation with Atlanta Family Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky call 404-874-7428 for your appointment.