Is it safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy? - BabyCenter Australia
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Yes, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist while you’re pregnant. This is because the hormones circulating in your body can affect your gums.
Your gums are more likely to bleed and there’s a greater chance of them becoming inflamed or infected. Having a gum infection can lead to your teeth being damaged. You're also more likely to get a build-up of plaque (a type of bacteria) on your teeth.
If you have a serious gum infection, it won't directly affect your baby's health. But it may mean your general health is not as good as it could be. Serious gum infections are called gingivitis or periodontal disease.
If you're finding it difficult to stay healthy, this can affect the way your baby grows. For this reason, some experts believe there is a connection between gum disease and premature birth, low-birth-weight babies and other pregnancy complications.
Tell your dentist that you're pregnant so that if you need treatment, he can decide on the best type for you. Although there’s no evidence that mercury amalgam fillings are a health risk, these aren’t recommended during pregnancy, just in case. Your dentist can suggest alternative fillings if you need them.
You can also use home-care methods to take extra care of your teeth and gums while you're pregnant to help with bleeding and tenderness.
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