Obstetrics and women's health are in a strange place right now. The birth rate in Canada is on the decline and has been for several decades. There could be many reasons for this, and more widespread knowledge of health, especially sexual health, is among them.
Many don't think of dental health in connection to pregnancy, but they are related. Pregnancy puts the body in a very vulnerable state, and neglecting any other aspect of your health could cause consequences to the mother and the baby.
Can you get dental work while pregnant? Yes, you can, and you should if you need it. We'll discuss some important facts about dental health and pregnancy here.
Diet and Cravings
Cravings are a telltale symptom of pregnancy, and much of our dental health depends on what we eat. Maybe you won't crave unhealthy foods during pregnancy, but there's still a risk.
Pregnancy cravings can go hand-in-hand with a condition called Pica, which is a compulsive craving for something that isn't food. Most cases of Pica result from a nutritional deficiency, which can happen during pregnancy because more nutrients are needed to provide for yourself and the baby.
A good example of this is ice, which many people crave while pregnant. Ice cravings are a sign of iron deficiency.
Morning Sickness and Nausea
Stomach acid can damage our teeth when we vomit, and the risk of damage builds the more it happens. This means that pregnancy can be tough on our teeth.
The queasiness can make brushing and flossing difficult. Not brushing and flossing often leads to plaque and tartar buildup. A local dentist should have some suggestions for managing these issues.
Tell Your Dentist
It may seem like a minor issue, but you need to tell your dentist that you're pregnant. Pregnancy interferes with some dental services.
Even the smallest issues can affect your pregnancy. Some fillings, for instance, contain mercury. Mercury is a type of metal that functions as a neurotoxin at high doses. Smaller amounts of mercury are usually harmless, but pregnant people have a lower tolerance for mercury. Even a dental filling containing mercury can cause issues with the baby or the pregnancy.
The dentist can opt for another type if they know it's risky. If you would prefer to avoid fillings, you could look into dental crowns. Dentists often reserve crowns for more damaged teeth, but pregnancy might be an exception. Temporary crowns are caps that you can put on teeth and have taken off later. You could try this until your pregnancy is over.
There's also the issue of medications. Some over-the-counter medications can harm a developing baby or the expectant mother. This is why it's important to tell your dentist that you're pregnant. The best dentist is always an informed dentist.
Can You Get Dental Work While Pregnant?
Can you get dental work while pregnant? Absolutely, but you need to tell your dentist that you're pregnant. Pregnancy is a vulnerable time in life and a problem with almost any part of our body could also affect you or the baby.
If you're in the area of London, Ontario and are looking for a dentist, contact us at Galleria Dental Centre and schedule an appointment.