A common question that lingers in many pregnant woman’s mind is if she can get a tooth pulled while pregnant. It may sound like an unrelated topic, but cases of toothache and other periodontal issues are usual in women who are expecting. For the sake of your well-being and the well-being of your baby, it would be sensible to consult with your doctor on this. But, just how safe are you and your unborn child when you undergo such invasive procedures such as a tooth extraction?
During pregnancy, you will experience drastic hormonal changes. One of the side effects of undergoing a hormonal imbalance is your body’s sensitivity towards things that wouldn’t normally bother you. Plaque, which is naturally found on the teeth, can irritate the gums so much during pregnancy that an infection can occur. Being pregnant is already emotionally and physically straining, and having to deal with a toothache at the same time isn’t going to make anyone feel better.
Pregnant women will avoid anything and everything to make sure that their unborn baby is safe and protected, even if that means having to deal with the pain of a tooth infection and a trip to the dentist. There are many things that must be considered before making any type of decision when you’re pregnant, but that doesn’t necessarily mean putting your own needs on hold until you’ve delivered the baby. We’ve debunked this pregnancy myth and thought that you should know the facts.
Can I Get A Tooth Pulled While Pregnant? Answer: Yes, With Doctor Approval
Getting a tooth pulled requires a number of procedures to be done that might not seem safe for the baby. However, doctors claim that waiting for something like a tooth infection to pass during pregnancy can be even more detrimental to your child’s health as well as yours. An infection may begin with a slight throbbing pain during the day, but can get immensely worse within just a few hours if not treated right away. If any minor type of dental work can be postponed, that would be the best option, but for emergency situations in where a tooth must be extracted on the spot, it should be fine as long as you and your dentist follow extra precautionary measures.
Can I Take Any Type of Medication Prescribed By My Dentist?
Certain dental procedures do require the use of medication before, during, or after the procedure. The most common drugs used by dentists are your customary pain killers and the local anesthetic lidocaine. Some studies show that if administered in small doses, lidocaine can be safe to give to expecting mothers. Other studies suggest that lidocaine can be harmful to your baby and the use of an alternative medication may be required. Any type of medication taken during pregnancy is something that must be discussed with a doctor as it is solely based on a case-to-case basis. Your doctor will help you find other options if medication is necessary for your condition.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Infection During Pregnancy?
There’s nothing much you can do about your bodily functions acting up when you’re pregnant. The only thing you have control over is taking good care of yourself to at least diminish the side effects of pregnancy. To avoid any type of tooth problems during pregnancy, you need to prevent plaque and tartar from building up around your gums. Brushing your teeth at least 3 times a day after meals should remove any excess plaque and inhibit it from accumulating.
If you’re really worried about acquiring a tooth infection, you can always schedule in a few general teeth cleaning sessions with your dentist. This will not only make sure you maintain a clean set of teeth, but any early symptoms of infection can be spotted and taken care of before the problem escalates.
Lastly, you want to follow a proper diet. Dieting is not only a great way to maintain a healthy weight during pregnancy, but it can prevent you from an unwanted trip to the dentist. Munching on food that is rather high in its sugar content isn’t recommended. We all know what too much sugar can do to our teeth. Also, avoid eating hard or chewy food. This will lessen the chances of you breaking or chipping a tooth.
