Caring for the dental health of the Macarthur community

This document is based on the Recommendations of the Dental Health Committee

of the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Dental examinations and treatment should not be regarded as an isolated episode undertaken during pregnancy. Dental care is an essential part of health care, which should continue through childhood, adolescence, the childbearing years, and onwards.

X-rays

Where necessary for the assessment or treatment of infection or pain, there is no reason to defer

X-rays during pregnancy if standard precautions such as high-speed films, collimated beams are used. Lead shielding over the abdomen is not required with modern machines.

Pain or infection

Prompt treatment of infections and/or pain is essential to prevent a rise in body temperature, and to prevent the release of bacterial poisons.

If required, paracetamol (e.g."Panadol") is the painkiller of choice, and a penicillin (e.g. amoxycillin - "Moxacin") is the best type of antibiotic. The local anaesthetics used in dentistry such as lignocaine are safe.

Routine treatment

Elective treatment is usually performed in the 4th, 5th, or 6th months ( 2nd trimester ) of pregnancy, and the sessions are kept relatively short for comfort. If you are having difficulties with your pregnancy, the dentist may discuss treatment with your doctor.

Preventative treatment

Cleaning and topical fluorides should continue to be performed regularly, preferably in the 1st and 3rd trimesters. Take particular care to keep gums clean and healthy as they are more susceptible to infection due to the hormonal changes. A balanced diet following general dietary principles is advised. Food and drinks containing sugars should be minimised for the mother's dental health.

"A tooth lost for every child.."

This is a myth that is not true. The developing child does not take its calcium from your teeth, but from your long bones instead e.g. legs, ribs. Teeth are not bone and do not contain bone marrow. True reasons for the decay relating to pregnancy can be vomiting of stomach acids during morning sickness, or changes in eating and oral hygiene habits.

Pregnancy in dentistry Pregnant

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