Is It Safe to See a Dentist While Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting time of new changes and new beginnings (not to mention new life). It's also a time of stress and anxiety, however, as you worry about how things you do can impact your growing baby, what's safe and what could cause harm.

Our El Segundo office gets a lot of questions about pregnancy and dental care, so we created this guide to answer the most common questions. Please call us if you have any questions that aren’t here. We’ll be happy to help!

Will Getting Routine Dental Cleanings or Dental Treatment Harm My Baby?

We have good news - seeing a dentist while you’re pregnant is completely safe. Furthermore, it’s important to protect your oral and physical health. Your oral health can suffer if you skip your routine dental cleanings during your pregnancy.

Poor oral health can impact your baby. The bacteria from plaque build-up can actually transfer to the baby and cause issues such as low birth weight and, in severe cases, premature birth. Be sure to see your dentist on your normal schedule during your pregnancy.

Why Are My Routine Dental Cleanings More Important During Pregnancy?

Your routine dental cleanings are always important to your oral health, but they’re even more so when you’re pregnant. Pregnancy changes your body in a lot of ways, and one of them is your hormonal balance, which can affect your oral health and cause gingivitis (gum disease).

What Should I Do if I Need Dental Treatment While I’m Pregnant?

Call our office in El Segundo for an appointment and come see one of our providers for a consultation. We will work with you to find a treatment plan that will take care of the issue and be safe for your baby too. We want to protect your smile and your oral health without putting your baby at risk!

Am I Really More Likely to Develop Gum Disease During Pregnancy?

Absolutely. The constantly changing hormones of pregnancy make you more prone to gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal (gum) disease. The symptoms are inflamed and red gums that are prone to irritation and bleeding.

Gum disease can be reversed at the gingivitis stage, but if left untreated it can progress and can eventually cause tooth loss, chronic infections, and even other health problems like heart disease.

Why Are Cavities More Likely to Develop During Pregnancy?

Cavities begin when acids eat away at your tooth enamel, exposing the material underneath to decay. These acids come from three sources: the first is as a by-product of sugary foods you eat being digested by bacteria in your mouth, the second is as a result of eating acidic food and drink, and the final source is stomach acids.

Many women have increased exposure to all three sources during pregnancy. Sugary food intake is often increased, leading to plaque buildup. Acidic foods, such as citrus, soda, and tea, may also be craved. Finally, stomach acid exposure increases because of heartburn and vomiting.

Each of these increases the wear and tear on your tooth enamel, which makes you more likely to develop cavities during pregnancy.

Should I Change My Oral Hygiene Routine While I’m Pregnant?

If you already have a good oral hygiene routine before getting pregnant, you don’t need to change anything during your pregnancy. If you don’t have a good routine, however, it’s important to develop one immediately for both your health and that of your baby.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time using a fluoridated toothpaste. Brush each individual tooth in small circles. Floss at least once a day to remove tooth debris and reduce the chance of developing gingivitis. You can add mouthwash to improve your oral health if you wish. And of course, get your routine dental cleanings.

What Kind of Toothpaste Should I Use While Pregnant?

You don’t need to use any special toothpaste during your pregnancy. Just be sure to choose a fluoridated toothpaste and brush properly. Fluoridated toothpaste is safe for your baby and will prevent you from developing cavities.

How Do I Reduce the Dental Harm Caused by Vomiting During Pregnancy?

Vomiting exposes your teeth directly to stomach acid, which can wear away your tooth enamel and allow cavities to start. It’s important that you brush your teeth as soon as possible after vomiting, but don’t use regular toothpaste. Doing so actually increases the exposure of tooth enamel to stomach acid.

Instead, brush your teeth with baking soda and water to neutralize the stomach acid. Rinse your mouth when you’re done and then you can brush as normal if desired.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Dental Care While Pregnant?

It doesn’t cost any more to get dental care when you’re pregnant than it does when you aren’t. Your routine dental cleanings and any treatment you need will cost the same and your insurance will provide the same coverage.

Most dental insurance companies provide excellent coverage for routine dental cleanings, which leaves you with no or little out-of-pocket expense to get your dental cleanings. Make sure you get them to protect your oral health and your baby.

If you need treatment while you’re pregnant, the staff here in our El Segundo office will take the treatment plan you developed with your doctor and give you a complete breakdown of the cost and what your insurance will cover versus what you’ll have to pay out of pocket. We also offer financing options if you need them.

Are You Ready to Have a Great Smile?

El Segundo Modern Dentistry would love to have you as our patient! Our goal is to help all of our patients achieve their best smile. We have a highly trained and experienced staff who will take care of all of your dental needs and answer all of your questions. We also offer flexible appointments to fit into your busy schedule.

Call (424) 277-2671 today and schedule your first appointment at El Segundo Modern Dentistry