Pregnancy & Dental Treatment

Dr. Sonia Sharma

Our office regularly gets anxious pregnant woman patients with dental pain or swollen gums. Treating these patients is a challenge for any dentist as well as unwieldy for the patients. A detailed dental checkup is all what it takes to have a worry free pregnancy. However, the check up and resulting treatment is effective before the initiation of the pregnancy. Women who go to their dentist regularly and keep their dental hygiene condition in tiptop condition considerably reduce the risk of premature birth of their baby.

Researchers have found that women with gum infections and diseases who went through basic scaling and root-planning cut their risk of spontaneous, pre term labour by as much as 84%. A story detailing this research, published in the Journal of Periodontology was in the National Post recently.  The research study stated that woman with red, inflamed and bleeding gums are up to eight times more likely to have a premature baby than woman with good oral health. The report is the latest to show how organisms loiter in the patient’s mouth can affect the whole body, not just teeth. Researchers have also linked gum diseases with higher risk of heart attack. The findings in the study may help prevent hundreds of pre-term births in Canada and the United States every year.

In Canada, about 7% of babies are born prematurely – before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Those who survive can face lifetime of serious disabilities because of the immature lungs or bleeding in their brain. They can end up cerebral palsy or loss of hearing or vision. Considering the ill effects, it is much safer for the women who are considering pregnancy must have their dental check up done before the start of pregnancy. Once pregnant, patient’s scope for any treatment gets very limited due to radiology precincts as well as limited use of drugs.

During years in the general practice and dealing with pregnant women, I came across many questions; some of these questions may relate with your situation as well. Please remember that the information is provided as a general guideline. It is NOT intended in place of professional care. Since every pregnancy may vary, consult your physician or dentist for advice on your particular situation:

Q-Do you also suggest that any dental treatment (fillings) to be postponed while pregnant?

A-If your cavities (fillings) are minor; you may want to wait to have them filled. However, if you have a substantially sizable cavity, the risks of getting a filling placed are offset by the risks of bacteria from your cavity in your system! Another potential risk you would face is that of the anesthetic in your blood stream during treatment, so if you can complete the filling without anesthetic you are also better off. Sometimes, we can also place a less invasive temporary filling until you are out of any risk. Your dentist will be able to assess the risks vs. needs for you.

Q-I just found out that I am approximately 5-6 weeks pregnant. I had already made an appointment to have a tooth extraction; the tooth has a very large hole (cavity) and must be removed. Is this safe for me to have it done? If not what can I do regarding the hole in my tooth?

A-Women are often safer having an infected tooth extracted than leaving the bacteria in the tooth and risking the chance of an infection, which could compromise the health of you and your baby. Your dentist can assess the extent of risk for you and I recommend that you inform him/her before your appointment of your pregnancy. Ordinarily, however, if ones oral health is not at risk, such procedures are delayed until postpartum.

Q-I would like to know if it is safe to bleach your teeth while I am pregnant.

A-Unfortunately, the effects of bleaching during pregnancy are not well studied and are essentially unknown. I strongly recommend waiting until after your child is born before risking any effects that bleaching materials might have on the fetus. Many dentists do provide an in-office bleaching procedure in which the teeth to be bleached are completely isolated using a rubber dam, reducing (but not eliminating) the risk of bleaching materials entering your system. However small the risk might be, any elective medical procedures should be postponed.

Q-After becoming pregnant, I noticed my front top teeth rotting away! I was scared to go to the dentist and now have 3 children and it seems getting worse. I can’t smile; I can’t even look at people and talk because they are noticeable. My top teeth rotted from the gum and its all-rotten half way down. I need help on what to do also I’m on blood pressure medicine. Can I see a dentist while on medication?

A-It sounds like you are experiencing the results of ‘Pregnancy Gingivitis.’ This condition arises in many expectant mothers and consists of inflamed and puffy gums during pregnancy. This inflammation can be controlled with dedicated cleaning of the teeth. During these bouts of gingivitis, it is quite common for cavities to form in the pockets underneath the gums. As the gingivitis later improves, the gums then recede to a more normal level, exposing the cavities! I strongly recommend visiting a dentist as soon as possible to have your cavities treated. Yes, you may certainly see the dentist while on high blood pressure medication, as long as you inform him/her of your condition.

Please remember that the information is provided as general information. It is NOT intended to replace professional care. Since every patient and every case may vary, consult your physician or dentist for advice on your particular situation.

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