Question for dentist in Thomastown : I’m pregnant and have a toothache – is it safe to go to the dentist?

Yes, it’s a safe and great idea to visit the dentist when you’re pregnant. The hormones circulating in your body can affect your gums. Your gums are more likely to bleed and there is a larger chance of them becoming inflamed or infected. If you get a gum infection it can lead to damage to your teeth.

Dental work while pregnant, such as fillings and crowns, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection, which if left alone, and worsens, can sometimes cause issues for your child. If these are to be performed during pregnancy, the second trimester is the ideal time to get this work done. Once you reach the third trimester, it may be uncomfortable to lie on the chair for an extended period of time.

As a cautionary measure, most dental procedures during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester should be avoided as much as possible, except in the case of an emergency. These are serious times in the baby’s growth and development and it’s smart to avoid exposing yourself to procedures that could in any way impact your baby’s growth and development.

A serious gum infection shouldn’t directly affect your baby’s health, but it may mean your general health is not as good as it could be.

How to support your baby’s growing teeth, as well as your own

Ensure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet. Your baby’s first teeth begin to develop about three months into pregnancy. Healthy diets containing dairy products, cheese, and yogurt are great for baby’s developing teeth, gums, and bones.

Your dentist in Thomastown believes it is important to keep teeth and gums healthy during and after pregnancy to:

Stop gum disease that could lead to premature birth or a low birth weight baby

Stop transfer of decay-causing bacteria from you to your baby. Your child will be less likely to suffer early childhood decay

Do you get Morning Sickness?

Pregnant women who suffer from vomiting and/or acid reflux are at high risk of tooth erosion or decay.

To lessen risk of tooth erosion and harm to your teeth after vomiting you can:

Rinse your mouth immediately with water or a mouth rinse

Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva to neutralise and wash away acid (thought we don’t recommend making this a habit!)

Smudge a little bit of toothpaste or tooth mousse over your teeth with your finger

Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened surfaces

If you have any further concerns please call us, The Dental Place, your dentist in Thomastown and the northern suburbs on 9460 7070, and we can talk to you about dental health in pregnancy.