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It should be completely safe to visit the dentist—even when pregnant. However, pregnancy can affect your dental health to some extent, and we share our best tips for prevention and treatment here.
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Some people have the impression that pregnant individuals should avoid visiting the dentist. This is not true, as it is safe to go to the dentist for check-ups while pregnant. If you are still very anxious about this or have questions, please contact us or let us know when you book your appointment so we can assist you in finding what is best for you.
If you experience pain or problems related to your dental health, we always recommend scheduling an appointment with the dentist for assistance. At Blid, we have skilled and experienced dentists you can trust, who have good experience in treating anxious patients. Please inform us about your pregnancy when you are at the dentist. This helps us provide you with the best possible visit.
Pregnant individuals can undergo simple X-ray examinations, such as the small images taken to check for cavities during a regular check-up. According to the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, this can be done without additional protection, as this low-dose radiation only affects the face. Larger X-ray examinations can either be postponed or performed with a lead apron if absolutely necessary. If you prefer not to have X-rays taken during your pregnancy, we will respect that. Ultimately, you are in control of these decisions. We can advise you on when to return and what follow-up is necessary. We always listen to your needs, and it’s important that you feel safe.
If you need treatment, it’s important that you receive it. If you are in pain, it needs to be addressed. If treatment needs are identified, we ideally try to schedule the treatment for the second trimester. Acute cases must be handled as they arise—and this is perfectly fine! If you require anesthesia, you should know that we use anesthetics that are neither dangerous for the fetus nor for you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy can cause significant changes and challenges for the body, including dental health. Fortunately, pregnancy is a relatively short-term condition, and you can go a long way with good dental hygiene. Below, we have gathered common dental health issues during pregnancy, along with measures you can take to prevent and treat them.
Many pregnant women experience gum inflammation, but this condition usually resolves after childbirth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to physiological changes, including increased blood volume and swelling of the mucous membranes. This is noticeable as the gums can become swollen and may start to bleed more easily.
The most important thing you can do to prevent or treat this is to maintain good dental hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush and using dental floss, toothpicks, or interdental brushes daily to remove bacterial plaque between your teeth. If you experience pain or have difficulty keeping your teeth clean, one of our dentists or dental hygienists can help you with cleaning and show you how to improve your technique.
Some women experience pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting during a portion of their pregnancy. For most, this is a short phase, but for a few, it can persist for a significant part of the pregnancy. This can expose your teeth to acid damage. Such damage does not disappear after pregnancy, making it particularly important to prevent it.
Here are the key prevention tips:
Occasionally, you may notice a red-purple growth on your gums. This is usually a benign growth that develops over a couple of weeks and can be tender if you touch it. It bleeds easily because it contains a large number of blood vessels. We do not remove this during pregnancy, but it can be addressed after childbirth if it does not go away on its own.
Eating patterns and cravings can change during pregnancy. It’s essential to be mindful of what you put in your mouth and how often. This often determines whether you will experience dental issues during pregnancy, just as it does for those who are not pregnant. Limit sugary foods and acidic drinks, and avoid snacking frequently or eating at night. Combined with good tooth brushing, these practices are our best advice for keeping your mouth healthy throughout your pregnancy.
At Blid, we place a strong emphasis on your safety as a pregnant patient. Please inform us of your pregnancy when booking your appointment so we can tailor the treatment to your situation. At Blid, you will meet skilled and experienced dentists who have a deep understanding of concerns related to dental visits during pregnancy. We want to assure you that it is completely safe to visit the dentist while you are pregnant.