Should pregnant women receive oral healthcare?

Pregnancy should not stop a woman from seeking dental checkups and continuing with her regular oral hygiene routine. Going without dental care during while pregnant could pose a health risk to her and her unborn child. However, she may decide in consultation with her dentist not to have routine teeth x-rays during pregnancy to avoid any radiation risk to the developing baby.

All aspects of your healthcare are essential during pregnancy, including oral care. The hormonal changes of pregnancy can make a woman more vulnerable to gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth, so proper brushing and flossing and regular dentist visits need to be continued throughout pregnancy. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant so appropriate precautions can be taken. For example, your dentist may choose not to take dental x-rays during your pregnancy to reduce the radiation exposure to the fetus.