Is It Safe To Perform Tooth Extraction During Pregnancy?

Many women fear that going to the dentist to have a tooth pulled while pregnant can affect the developing baby. However, this dental work is safe for you both.

Toothache during pregnancy is a dental problem that no mommy-to-be wants to experience. In addition, pain and discomfort would make you feel uncomfortable, which affects your daily life. Therefore, you should have a dental visit to have a tooth pulled if needed or just to get your teeth cleaned.

On the other hand, many pregnant women are still concerned about dental care. In the following article, you may know whether it is safe to perform tooth extraction during pregnancy as well as tips on dental care while pregnant.

Why are pregnant women susceptible to oral health conditions?

As your baby grows and develops, your hormone levels also increase, which can lead to toothache and other oral symptoms, such as:

• Dental plaque: Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are more likely to experience increased plaque. If left untreated, plaque can turn into tartar and increase the risk of tooth decay.

• Loose teeth: During the first trimester of pregnancy, many women experience the bouts of nausea and vomiting (morning sickness). Acid from the stomach can come into contact with the tooth enamel, which causes enamel erosion and easily leads to tooth decay due to the consequences of poor brushing habits.

• Pregnancy gingivitis: Due to hormonal changes, most pregnant women are susceptible to gingivitis during pregnancy. This makes the gums more painful and vulnerable to serious dental problems.

Also, when oral care is lacking, cavities can occur.

Is it safe to perform tooth extraction during pregnancy?

Teeth removal during pregnancy is a safe dental procedure for both mother and baby. Besides, you should visit a clinic that is fully equipped with modern equipment as well as a panel of highly qualified dentists so that you can undergo a quick, painless tooth extraction.

The ideal time for tooth extraction while pregnant

When it comes to tooth extraction during pregnancy, timing is very important. Experts recommend having necessary dental work performed in the second trimester and postponing any non-essential dental treatments.

Of course, if you are having a true dental emergency and the tooth needs to be removed as soon as possible to avoid the risk of infection, the extraction procedure would still be carried out no matter which trimester you are in.

Home remedies for tooth pain after extraction

To help feel more comfortable after tooth extraction, besides taking the medication prescribed by your dentist, you can try the following:

• Prop your head up with pillows when sleeping

• Rest a lot, avoid vigorous activities

• Eat soft, liquid foods such as porridge or soup

• Apply hot or cold compresses to the affected area

• Do not use a straw to avoid applying force to your teeth or gums.

Additionally, you should keep up oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infection that may appear.

How to take care of your teeth during pregnancy

Some tips for dental care during pregnancy include:

• Clean your tongue every day using a tongue scraper or a toothbrush to help get rid of bacteria

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque

• Avoid brushing your teeth right after eating or drinking tea or coffee. Let’s wait for 10 minutes. This helps avoid damage to the tooth enamel

• Use dental floss or water pick everyday to remove food debris stuck in your teeth, which a regular toothbrush cannot reach in-between teeth very well.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help prevent gingivitis

• Choose foods that are nutritious and healthy for your teeth such as yogurt, cheese, and green tea

• Have regular dental check-ups. This is the best way to ensure that you are not experiencing any dental problems while pregnant.