Dental Care During Pregnancy – What You Should Know

Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important to your dental health.

From the moment you find out that you’re pregnant to giving birth, you are busy with trips to the doctor, hospital tours, setting up the nursery, and much more. It’s an exciting time that can also seem overwhelming. There’s so much to do in a relatively short period of time.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Don C.

Outstanding customer car for our 15 yrs old Autistic Granddaughter. Rebekah really helped put our minds and ease and helped us plan the next visit when it came to reservations we had on the cost of this treatment, and future ones. This is expensive, but worth it knowing they help special needs kids, teens and adults. Sedation dentistry team handle everything great!
Thank you Dr. Thoms and the team!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and reassuring experience while helping you plan for future care. It means a great deal to know you felt informed and cared for every step of the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you’ve placed in us.

Sylvia A.

Dr Thoms specializes in dental anesthesia for patients with Special Needs. My daughter has been a patient of his for many years.
His experience, depth of knowledge and understanding the needs of Special Needs patients is excellent.
He presents clear and detailed information for his procedures and treatment options along with expectations during aftercare.
Follow up instructions include a personal phone call from him as well as additional calls from his office staff. I highly recommend Dr Thoms and definitely give him 5 stars.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care with clear communication every step of the way. Your recommendation means a great deal to us!

Carol Sue A.

My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

Ken C.

I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.

I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!

A K.

Dr. Thoms and his entire staff at The Dental Anesthesia Center have been absolutely wonderful!! They're all so kind and knowledgeable. I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to hear this feedback.

One thing that should be on your to-do list is visiting the dentist. Getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important to your dental health. You can take care of teeth cleanings and procedures such as cavity fillings before your baby is born. Your dentist can also help you with any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you may be experiencing.

Dental Care While Pregnant

You must take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gum disease, which could affect your developing baby’s health.

There are several tips for maintaining good oral health while pregnant. Some of these tips include:

• Tell your dentist if you are pregnant – Even if you only suspect that you are pregnant, tell your dentist. Routine and urgent dental care can be done any time during pregnancy, but all elective dental procedures should be postponed until after your baby is born. Before your dental appointment, check with your obstetrician to see about any special instructions or restrictions. Be sure to communicate any important information with your dentist.
• Tell your dentist about medications and the dosages you’re taking – This includes prenatal vitamins prescribed by your doctor as well as any medical advice your doctor has given to you.
• Dental X-rays are safe – If you have to have an X-ray taken while pregnant, your dentist will use extreme care, such as shielding your abdomen and thyroid. Modern technology has made X-rays much safer.
• Don’t skip your teeth cleaning and routine exam – Having an exam during pregnancy is essential. Hormonal changes while pregnant can put you at higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis can also occur. This is a condition where a woman has tender gums that bleed more easily.
• Morning sickness can make it hard to brush your teeth – Many women have a hard time brushing their teeth while pregnant because they develop a more sensitive gag reflex. Or the taste of toothpaste may make them feel nauseous. Talk to your dentist or hygienist. They can recommend a toothpaste that may be easier for you to brush with.
• Rinse your mouth – If you experience a lot of morning sickness and often vomit, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. This will help wash away any bacteria.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you are pregnant, don’t skip your routine dental visit. Keeping your teeth healthy is an essential part of your overall health. Talk to your doctor and dentist if you have any concerns. Remember, a small issue can turn into a larger one that’s more involved to fix.