It’s what you’ve always wanted, and now you’re finally going to be a mother in just a few short months. You have a million things to do to get ready for your baby’s arrival, but you don’t want to ignore your oral health during this important time.
However, nobody told you dental work changes once you’re pregnant, so what can you expect when you visit the dentist?
What to Expect When You’re Pregnant
When you visit Southeast Family Dental, we take every precaution to keep you safe and comfortable during your pregnancy.
Here are some of the ways we do that:
- Routine care — It’s essential to make routine preventive visits while you’re pregnant. Even though you’re busy, cleanings and checkups are as important as ever.
- Emergency treatment — If you suffer a dental emergency, make sure to call our office to avoid a dangerous infection or other issues, regardless of how far along you are.
- Fillings and crowns — If possible, we’ll wait until your second trimester to perform these restorative treatments.
- Elective treatments — It’s best to postpone cosmetic procedures until after the baby is born.
- Local anesthesia — Local anesthesia is generally safe for you and your baby.
- Antibiotics — Certain types of antibiotics are safe during pregnancy. We prescribe both penicillin and amoxicillin but avoid tetracycline.
- Pain relievers — We recommend acetaminophen, but it’s best to avoid ibuprofen during pregnancy.
- X-rays — Our modern x-rays are considered safe for pregnant women and unborn babies, as long as you wear proper protection.
- Positioning — During your third trimester, we avoid laying you flat on your back. This keeps your uterus from putting pressure on your major blood vessels.
- Morning sickness — To protect your tooth enamel, we recommend rinsing your mouth with a mixture of baking soda and water. This is better than brushing your teeth after you vomit.
Oral Health Questions in Indianapolis, IN?
If you’re pregnant and would like more information about how it affects your dental treatment, our team will happily assist you! At Southeast Family Dental, we’re committed to your comfort and safety, and we’ll do everything we can to ensure you keep your mouth and body healthy during pregnancy.
Feel free to contact our office for a consultation or appointment.