If you have gingivitis or perio-dontal disease, your dentist may want to treat you more often to achieve healthy gums and a healthy baby. Although dental anesthetics such as novocaine or lidocaine can enter the placenta, which filters out most drugs, the doses used in most dental procedures are considered safe. If you need to have dental work done during your pregnancy, research has shown that some acceptable antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin, but avoid tetracycline, which can cause discoloration of your child's temporary and permanent teeth. Avoid using narcotics for dental pain until your child is carried to term. If you have any concerns about treatment or medications, make sure to ask your dentist or physician before receiving treatment.
Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy.
Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier your pregnancy and baby will be. This information was compiled for you by the Academy of General Dentistry. Your dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry. As one of the 35,000 general dentists in the United States and Canada who are members of the Academy, your dentist participates in an ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances in the profession and to provide quality patient treatment. You have permission to photocopy this page and distribute it to your patients.