Dental health may be the furthest thing from your mind during pregnancy, but it is essential for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. That’s why this blog will discuss the safety of anesthesia during pregnancy and how to treat any dental problems without complications at this stage of life.
Effects of pregnancy on dental health
The hormones required for pregnancy usually increase the risk of dry mouth and periodontal disease. Also, certain medications will also impact dental health negatively. Many dental health problems can arise during pregnancy, some of which include the following:
Gingivitis: This is the swelling and inflammation of the gums. 60 to 70% of pregnant women will experience gingivitis, which can lead to more serious dental diseases if left untreated.
Cavities: Cavities Are small areas of damage on the surface of your teeth. These areas can fill with bacteria that can pass to your baby during pregnancy.
Pregnancy tumors: After the first trimester, some women develop lumps on their gums. Do not panic, since these just consist of a build of plaque and go on their own after giving birth, so they are no dangerous tumors.
Signs and symptoms to look after
There are some signs and symptoms that you may need to look after when being pregnant. Some of these include the following:
- Loose teeth
- Bad Breath
- Lumps in the mouth
- Sores in the mouth
- New spaces between your teeth
- Rash
- Coughing
- Feeling dizzy
- Sore throat
- Gums that appear red or shiny
- Gyms that bleed easily
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Receding gums
- Toothache
- Mouth pain
If you happen to develop or notice any of the former symptoms and signs you will need to contact your dentist quickly.
Anesthesia during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and need dental treatment, then you should not have any complications by the use of local anesthesia during the procedure. However, it is advised that women who are seeking elective dental treatment wait until they give birth before getting these treatments.
So, is dental anesthesia safe during pregnancy?
The short answer is yes. There have not been any peer-reviewed studies to show that regular local anesthesia or X-rays can affect pregnancy. However, as we just stated above, we tend to advise pregnant women to delay any elective and non-important dental treatments until they give birth.
Where to find dental treatment for pregnant women?
If you are looking for a safe place to get your dental treatment in the Phoenix Metro area you can come to Somos Dental. At Somos Dental we follow the newest protocols to work with pregnant women. You can call us or fill our online form to get a free first diagnostic appointment, you can also find us at any of our six locations at Downtown Phoenix, Mesa, Camelback, Desert Sky Mall, Laveen, and Avondale.
