Is Local Anesthesia Safe for Pregnant Women?
During your pregnancy, you do everything you can to protect your baby and encourage his or her healthy growth. However, what happens when you need dental work while carrying your child? Previously, anesthesia use was thought to be best avoided by pregnant women. However, a new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association confirms that local anesthesia is safe for patients who are with child.
New Study’s Findings
The study’s purpose was to determine if there was any risk to the unborn child with the use of a local anesthesia during dental work. No risk was found. The study compared one group of women who had routine dental treatment in addition to treatment with anesthetics and another group of women that had no treatment. The study compared medical problems in the newborns along with rates of premature births, miscarriages, and even birth weight, but no difference was found between the women who received treatment with anesthesia and the women who didn’t.
Therefore, a link between any negative birth outcomes or medical problems and local anesthesia during routine dental treatments wasn’t found. The results of the study suggest that local anesthesia is safe to use during pregnancy and you can still visit your dentist as normal!
When Is Local Anesthesia Needed?
You may need local anesthesia during dental work if you need an extraction, root canal, or a have a cavity filled. Local anesthesia generally isn’t part of a routine dental exam or professional teeth cleanings unless you need one of these things done. Talk with your dentist in Asheville about whether or not you need local anesthesia during your procedure.
Taking Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy
Taking care of your teeth during pregnancy is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. Due to the fact that many women experience morning sickness, teeth are more at risk from damage due to the acids in the stomach being present in the mouth. Not to mention having healthy teeth has been linked to overall health, so it’s more important than ever to keep your smile healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Research associated with the study published by the Journal of the American Dental Association also showed that pregnant women tend to forgo dental treatment, even if they have an oral health issue. Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is just as important for you as it is for your baby. With local anesthesia now confirmed safe for pregnancy use, there’s no reason you shouldn’t seek treatment during your pregnancy.
Increased Risk for Oral Health Problems During Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant can experience an increased risk of gingivitis and cavities during pregnancy. This could be due to changes in hormones as your baby develops. Gingivitis is actually the beginning stages of gum disease and can cause loose teeth and bleeding gums. Even an increased risk for tooth decay is present during your pregnancy. With the acidity in your mouth increased, tooth decay and cavities can be more prevalent.
All of these reasons make it important to continue with your routine checkups during pregnancy and to take excellent care of your teeth! Talk with your Asheville dentist, Dr. Saunders, about your pregnancy so that he can ensure your mouth is healthy for you and your child. If you need local anesthesia during your treatment, don’t worry€“it’s been proven safe for you and your baby.