When you’re pregnant, it’s hard to find time to treat yourself. From picking out the right colors and decorations for the nursery to attending doctors’ appointments to other things you need to take care of before the baby is born, things like your smile may be forgotten. As busy as soon-to-be parents are, it’s still incredibly important to care for your smile. Though it’s safe (and encouraged) to see your dentist while pregnant, what about sedation? Continue reading to learn if getting dental sedation while pregnant is safe or not.
Is Dental Sedation Safe During Pregnancy?
Dental sedation is completely safe for those who are and aren’t pregnant. All the different kinds of sedation methods that dentists use will only be administered to patients after a thorough evaluation of their overall health. Research has also shown that dental sedation doesn’t affect fetuses, which means that it will be safe for both the parent and the baby.
Even though pregnant people shouldn’t experience any issues with dental sedation, it is still generally recommended that they wait until after they have given birth to undergo invasive or elective procedures unless there’s an emergency. This is because a person’s hormones change while they’re pregnant, which makes them more susceptible to oral health problems like cavities and gum disease.
3 Ways to Protect your Smile While Pregnant
Whether you undergo dental procedures while you’re pregnant or just attend regular checkups, it’s important to take good care of your smile. This will help you avoid the aforementioned oral health problems that are common during pregnancy. A few ways to do this include:
- Use anti-gingivitis products – Using toothpaste and mouthwash that helps fight gingivitis can neutralize bacteria buildup around your gum line to reverse early signs of gum damage.
- Floss at least once a day – Cleaning between the teeth and around the gumline will remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles.
- Tell your dentist you’re pregnant – This will allow them to recommend treatments or best practices to keep your smile in good condition, such as more frequent dental.
About the Practice
Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is dedicated to bettering the smiles of their Lacey patients. They offer treatments like dental checkups and cleanings to keep oral health issues from developing and also offer dental sedation to those who are pregnant and those who aren’t. If you are ready to make an appointment with Peterson & Cammack Family & Cosmetic Dentistry or want to learn more about dental sedation, call their office at (360) 459-4420 or visit their website.