During pregnancy any women may not have the inclination to be bothered to go for her regular dental check up, and brush (no pun intended!) to one side this important part of her oral hygiene.
Continuation of the regular dental check ups are important for the pregnant women since the hormones produced during pregnancy can cause swelling and bleeding of the gums and add to the risk of tooth decay.
Apart from the dental check ups any other type of serious dental work should be postponed until the appropriate time, or after the delivery of the baby; except for any work involving the removal of oral infections such as gingivitis or periodontal conditions which could have an adverse effect on the unborn baby.
If there is any urgent dental work which cannot be put off until a later date then it is best carried out during the second three months of the pregnancy. The first three months are vital for the development of the embryo and it should not be put at risk in anyway and in the final three months you will be to large to sit comfortably in the dentist’s chair.
Non essential treatments such as teeth whitening or cosmetic enhancement should definitely be postponed until after delivery.
Certainly any major dental work should not be carried out while you are pregnant. Frequently any form of serious dental treatment requires the use of X-rays to administer procedures impacted wisdom teeth, tooth extraction or other types of dental surgery for example.
While the exposure to dental x-rays will be minimal if any type of dental surgery has to be done, it is again best carried out during the second three months of the pregnancy to avoid the slightest chance of any damage to the baby.