Healthy Habits: Safe & Unsafe Dental Procedures During Pregnancy

During the nine-months of pregnancy it is important for a mother to continue taking care of her teeth, but also important to take precautions before heading to the dentist during the second and third trimester. Dr. Margaret Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Dental Spa, a dental spa facility in Chicago’s Water Tower Place, would like to offer the following tips to ensure the safety of the mother and baby during dental work:

 

Safe Procedures During Pregnancy:

·         Teeth cleanings: Not only are teeth cleanings safe during pregnancy, they are highly recommended. Due to the possibility of pregnancy gingivitis, or gum disease, driven by hormonal changes, it is important to keep a woman’s teeth clean during these nine months.

 

Unsafe Procedures to Avoid During Pregnancy:

·         Teeth whitening or Botox injections: Due to the lack of extended studies on the side effects of teeth whitening and Botox injection during pregnancy, these cosmetic procedures can be postponed until after birth to avoid any possible side effects.

·         Routine X-rays: It is best to wait until after the baby is born to proceed with x-rays to avoid any adverse effects to the baby like causing changes to the baby’s cell development.

·         Anesthetics: These include those that contain vasoconstriction and epinephrine. All general anesthetic drugs cross the placenta, so it is best to stay away from them during pregnancy.

About Mitchell Dental Spa

The philosophy of the Mitchell Dental Spa is over-the-top dentistry combined with over-the-top amenities. Unlike other cosmetic dental offices which only have dental services, the Mitchell Dental Spa is a full-service facility offering dentistry along with massages, facials, and skin rejuvenation. Complimentary 10-15 minute spa treatments are included with every visit and this is offered up along with refreshments, a friendly staff and world-class professional service. The Mitchell Dental Spa is located at 845 North Michigan Avenue in Suite 922 East in Chicago’s Water Tower Place. For more information, please call (312) 642-1014.