We must undergo various medical visits throughout our lives to make sure that everything is in order.
And this is especially true when we are pregnant.
When mothers are carrying a baby, they want to ensure that everything is going according to plan.
And although we are probably much more attentive to our diet or the baby’s changes, sometimes we have to visit the dentist.
And this is where the big question arises: Will it be safe for my baby to have a dental x-ray?
In today’s article, you will be able to answer this question and be more clear about whether or not you should do these tests during your months of pregnancy.
Pregnancy and oral health
When a woman is pregnant, many changes take place in her body.
Many of them have a hormonal cause.
And even if you think they are not connected, these variations could lead to gum diseases.
For this reason, it is crucial to maintain good oral care and attend the dentist for preventive checkups and cleanings.
But sometimes, even if the mother regularly attends the dental visit, dental work may be necessary.
And although it is ideal to postpone possible dental treatments until after delivery, any urgent procedure can and should be carried out.
The ideal time to perform the dental treatment is the second trimester. During this time, the mother’s mobility is still not so limited as in the third, that she may be uncomfortable lying in a chair for a long time.
Is it dangerous to have an x-ray during pregnancy?
Not generally. X-rays are not dangerous during pregnancy, but since they involve exposure to a certain level of radiation, you should consider certain aspects before undergoing any treatment or diagnostic test.
In the case of dental X-rays, we know they are safe during pregnancy. But it is necessary to have precautions to protect the mother and the baby and cover both the abdomen and the mother’s thyroid with lead aprons and collars to minimise radiation exposure.
The risks to the fetus in this type of test are minimal as they are below natural background radiation. Never a level of radiation of this type will lead to the termination of pregnancy.
In addition, thanks to advances in technology, x-ray machines are much safer and reduce the level of exposure and its risks for the patient.
Dental x-rays have a much lower level of radiation than other types of x-rays, being much more localised. According to the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association, it is not enough to cause harm to a pregnant woman or your baby.
In any case, your dentist will be in charge of indicating and evaluating if, in your specific case, it is possible to undergo an X-ray and explain the risks and details according to your situation.
Talk to your dentist and ask them to resolve all your doubts before performing any procedure, especially during pregnancy.
We are sure you will be more prepared and secure about your baby’s health. If you ave any questions, feel free to reach out to our experienced Bendigo dentist for guidance.
