Visiting Your Boise Dentist During Pregnancy

It’s not unusual for women in the Treasure Valley to have concerns about visiting their Boise dentist when they are pregnant. Being overly cautious is a part of protecting you and your baby. The good news, however, is that routine dental exams are very safe during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, her body is high in hormones. Often, these hormones can cause the gums to swell and teeth to become sensitive. Getting a routine exam at Summit Dental will help pregnant women prevent infection and discomfort from these conditions.

Concerns About Dental Work

Unless it’s an emergency, the American Dental Association recommends that pregnant women in their first trimester should avoid any elective dental treatments. These include cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening. While the risk is very minimal, these procedures should be held off until the second trimester. Furthermore, most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid any extensive dental work during their third trimester unless it is absolutely necessary.

Dental X-Ray Safety

Dental x-rays are a standard part of an examination. However, if you are pregnant and not suffering from any pain or dental condition, it’s possible to put off dental x-rays until the birth of your baby.

If by chance, you do experience a dental emergency during pregnancy, it is safe to get a dental x-ray. Why? Dental x-rays have a very low radiation level and the American Dental Association has not found any evidence of dental x-rays causing any harm to an unborn baby. As an extra precaution, however, your Boise dentist will provide you with an x-ray blanket for additional protection.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Pregnant women don’t have to avoid any specific type of toothpaste or mouthwash. However, it is always recommended (for everyone) to try not to swallow any of these products. It’s also important to use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for adequate cleaning.

If you are one of the unlucky few to experience teeth sensitivity during pregnancy, you can change to a specialized toothpaste during this time. If sensitivity becomes too much to handle, a trip to your Boise dentist can help with this issue. It’s also recommended that pregnant women increase their calcium intake during this time to keep their teeth and bones strong.

Last but not least, you should also be using a soft bristle toothbrush if you are pregnant. During pregnancy, the gum tissue surrounding your teeth can swell and become sensitive. A soft-bristled toothbrush will help ease any discomfort you may feel when brushing your teeth.

Summit Dental Group

Practicing good dental care is very important during pregnancy. To learn more about what you can do to benefit your overall dental health while expecting, contact us by filling out our online form or call us at (208) 314-2275 to schedule an appointment.