Many expectant mothers are afraid to see a doctor again. Suddenly, they will prescribe some dangerous medicines for the baby, they will be sent to a procedure that is not recommended during pregnancy. What can we say about a visit to the dentist, where you never want to go and just like that, because there will be stress, anesthesia, and discomfort. However, visits to the dentist are an integral part of the pregnancy health check-up.
Even when planning a pregnancy, you need to pay a visit to the dentist and make sure that your own teeth are in good condition. And if everything happened too suddenly, then try to get examined in the first weeks of pregnancy.
Myths about the dangers of dental treatment during pregnancy
Do not be afraid to treat teeth during pregnancy, because ignoring this issue will lead to even more serious consequences. Even a mild toothache can become additional stress for the expectant mother, and insufficient oral care can be a source of blood poisoning.
It is possible and necessary to treat teeth during pregnancy so as not to expose yourself or your baby to additional danger.
All this is due to the fact that any inflammatory processes in the oral cavity can become a source of infection. Caries or decayed teeth lead to an increase in the number of pathogens, which, entering the bloodstream, are transmitted to the child.
In addition, due to hormonal changes in the woman's body, the acidity of saliva changes, nausea and vomiting appear, and appetite increases. These processes can also intensify the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity and lead to unpleasant consequences.
When and how to treat teeth during pregnancy
The most favorable period for a thorough dental treatment is the second trimester of pregnancy. In the first three months, all the organs of the unborn child are formed, and in the last months, the body of a pregnant woman is already fully preparing for childbirth, therefore, during these periods it is better to exclude any unnecessary impact on the body.
Nowadays, almost every dentistry has offices for pregnant women. The main thing is to inform the doctor in time about your position and the duration of pregnancy.
There are special types of anesthesia that do not get to the fetus and do not affect its development in any way.
You should not immediately give up anesthesia for dental treatment. Special types of anesthesia that do not pass the placental barrier are absolutely safe for you and your unborn baby. They do not affect either the course of pregnancy or the development of the fetus.
But the feeling of pain and stress that you may experience while sitting in the dentist's chair will certainly affect the condition of the child.
It is really worth giving up only X-rays, which are definitely not recommended during pregnancy. It is best to postpone this procedure, if possible, until the postpartum period.
For the rest, completely rely on a doctor who knows for sure that healthy teeth are always better than an imaginary danger from treatment.
