Dentist During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also comes with certain risks and unique considerations. This also applies to dental care during pregnancy.

Read on to learn what dentists recommend during pregnancy and how you can improve your oral health with a few simple tips.
 

Dentists and Pregnancy: What Are the Special Considerations?

Dental health is important during pregnancy for several reasons. For one thing, the risk of conditions such as cavities or gum disease increases. For another, dentists cannot perform all types of treatments during pregnancy. Major procedures are very stressful for both mother and child and, in the worst case, can endanger the pregnancy.

However, dental and gum diseases can also directly affect the child’s health, for example, when cavity-causing bacteria are transmitted through saliva. Periodontitis increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Therefore, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy to prevent oral diseases from developing in the first place.
 

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist During Pregnancy?

Women planning to have children should, if possible, undergo a general dental exam before they become pregnant. As soon as pregnancy is confirmed, another exam is recommended. During this visit, your dentist will discuss your oral health with you and identify any risk factors that may need to be monitored.

If no further issues arise, another checkup is recommended midway through the pregnancy. Walk-in appointments are also available at our dental practice in Zurich throughout your entire pregnancy.
 

What happens during a dental visit while pregnant?

Generally, the dentist follows the same procedure during pregnancy as during any other checkup. They check the health of your teeth and gums and then discuss with you whether they see a need for treatment. During pregnancy, the dentist pays particular attention to risk factors such as gum inflammation or enamel erosion caused by persistent nausea.

If necessary, the dentist may recommend preventive measures during pregnancy, such as a special prenatal cleaning to remove plaque and seal fissures.

If your dentist identifies acute problems during pregnancy, they must carefully weigh whether immediate treatment is appropriate and necessary. They will postpone major procedures, such as tooth extractions or root canal treatments, until after pregnancy whenever possible. In the meantime, symptomatic pain management can be provided.

The dentist does not perform X-rays or treatments under general anesthesia during pregnancy. However, local anesthesia is perfectly safe, so we can guarantee you pain-free dental treatment even during pregnancy.
 

What does the dentist recommend during pregnancy?

To ensure a safe and worry-free pregnancy, it is essential that you attend all scheduled checkups.

Thorough oral hygiene at home is also important, and you should pay special attention to the spaces between your teeth. Make sure to eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks between meals. If you experience nausea or vomiting, wait half an hour before brushing your teeth to allow the acid to neutralize.

Gums and tooth enamel are particularly sensitive during pregnancy. Therefore, it may be helpful to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing oral care products during this time. If you experience acute problems, see your dentist as soon as possible and ask for advice on whether treatment is necessary.