dental cleaning safe in 1st trimester??

silverhalo

Lately I have been having a little pain on my gum where I believe one of my wisdom teeth is trying to come in. I have already had 2 wisdom teeth come in and it feels the exact same way. However the tooth hasnt broken through the gum so I can't be sure that is what it is so I called to make an appt with the dentist for a cleaning and for her to check that spot on my gum to make sure she doenst think it is infected or anything. I have looked and cant really see anything so I am 99% sure it is just the wisdom tooth.

Anyways then I got to thinking if it is safe to go during the 1st tri. Things I have read online are kinda conflicting, some things say it is completely safe and others say you should wait until the 2nd tri just to be safe. I am kinda worried to wait though just because even though I am pretty sure it is just the wisdom tooth what if it is something else that should be treated?? The pain isnt even that bad, it is actually more discomfort than pain  so I can deal with it until 2nd tri but it will make me worry until I get reassurance from the dentist that it is not infection or anything. Has anyone else been to the dentist in first tri?? I am only 6 1/2 weeks

Olivebeinmamma

It took me 3 weeks to get into the dentist. I had an appt 3/1 and had to cancel it. They called to confirm my appt and I told them I just found out I was pg and I'd have to have a double shield for X-rays. The receptionist said they couldn't until 2nd tri. Risk of infection and the X-rays etc they said no. But, it was also a new dentist for me. So, if it's your current dentist and you're having issues they might make an exception... I'd call if you need a tooth pulled or whatever. But, no guarantee.

CLLDLL

According to my aunt (who used to be a hygenist) routine dental maintenance is encouraged during pregnancy.  No x-rays!!  But cleaning is fine. In fact a lot of insurance policies pay for extra cleanings during pregnancy because you are more at risk for gum disease etc. when you are pregnant.  If you have to have work done, you'll want to make sure your dentist knows your pregnant because some pain relief is dangerous for baby.

 Bottom line if I were you, I'd go to find out what is going on.  Then if you do need to have something more than cleaning done, discuss the risks/benefits with your dentist.

 Good luck!

FrickandFrack

LoisLane23:

You can do cleanings but shouldn't do xrays.

This.

superned

I cannot think of a reason, other than x-rays, which you should avoid, why a routine cleaning would not be safe at any time in pregnancy.  In fact, infections and gum disease can be dangerous in pregnancy, so if you're at all concerned, I would schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.  It's definitely better to have it taken care of sooner, rather than wait for a possible infection to develop.

Skooled917

A cleaning is fine and even encouraged, but my dentist will not do any work until the 2nd tri.  I had a dentist appointment the day after I got my BFP.

bwhisner

I am 6 weeks now, and I have a dentist appt tomorrow.  After reading your post, I called my dentist to verify that it was safe during the first trimester.  My dentist told me that getting a cleaning in the first trimester is totally safe, but I cannot have x-rays until the 2nd trimester.  He said he will examine me and give me a good cleaning, and if he feels x-rays are necessary we will wait a few more weeks.  I haven't been to the dentist in a few years, and I am very nervous.  I feel that I have gum disease to begin with, which they say can cause complications in pregnancy.  Since I have been pregnant, my gums have gotten extra sensitive and frequently bleed.  My dentist told me it is best to look into this now and not wait.  I encourage you to go to your appointment, and just make sure they are aware of your PG. 

mopsie

Pregnancy hormones do wonky things to your gums.  Not only is it safe to get a cleaning in 1st tri, it's actually recommended!  Just avoid x-rays throughout the entire pregnancy unless you're having an actual toothache (there's minimal radiation, especially if they use digital X-rays, but the risk of possibly having an undiagnosed infection is much worse than the minimal radiation you'd get from the X-rays.)

Jeniela

I found out I was pregnant two days before my scheduled cleaning. They were able to do all but X-rays. I had two fillings that fell out which were scheduled to be filled after the cleaning however they wouldn't fill as novicane is a no no in the first trimester. I'd definitely have it checked out though for piece of mind. You just won't be able to have any work done

Keoh1215

I had a cleaning when I was about 12 weeks. It is very important to have regular cleanings and keep good oral health during pregnancy because of a higher risk of infection. Just don't take xrays and you're fine. Just an FYI- you might be a little shocked at the extra blood you might spit out but it is normal because all of the extra blood flow. My dentist said its norma.

nicaka94

I made my dentist aware that we were ttc and she then increased my number of visits from twice per year to four times per year.  She said the same thing that everyone else said - that more frequent dental cleanings are encouraged during pregnancy to keep the risk of gum disease lower.  She also told me to even double up on the flossing.  I had my teeth cleaned one week after my bfp - so I made sure to tell her.  So definitely, tell your dentist that you are pregnant and I bet they will try to get you in.  If they have to do a deep scaling, they may not be able to give you the meds yet, I am not sure, but dentists are very prepared to deal with the needs of a pregnant woman - so not to worry!

sunshine823

i had an appointment scheduled for a cleaning about a week before my OB appointment. I asked her about it and she said cleanings are perfectly fine. When i went to my appointment at the dentist i told them that I am pregnant and they said they would not be doing x-rays and they said that cleanings are very important during pregnancy