Finding out you are pregnant is an exciting time as you start a family. However, with this excitement comes fear as there are certain things you must avoid to keep your developing baby safe. While facing the changes in your body during your pregnancy, it’s important to prioritize your dental hygiene. Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health and should not be overlooked during pregnancy. That said, many people wonder whether it is safe to have dental X-rays performed during their pregnancy. If you are pregnant you should schedule an appointment with our adept general dentistry/dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ who can help you maintain your oral health during your pregnancy.
Are dental X-rays dangerous during pregnancy?
Many soon-to-be mothers worry about undergoing a dental X-ray due to the risk of radiation exposure. Unfortunately, radiation exposure can be extremely harmful to developing fetuses. This is because it increases the risk of cancer in offspring and can damage fetal growth which results in congenital malformations.
Fortunately, dental X-rays exert low radiation which means they are safe during pregnancy. According to the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association, the radiation used during a dental X-ray is not enough to cause harm to a growing fetus. That being said, you should not let your fear of radiation exposure prevent you from maintaining your oral health. Oftentimes, pregnant women suffer from sore and swollen gums that may bleed. This is because hormonal changes make individuals more susceptible to plaque. Plaque that builds up and turns into tartar can lead to inflammation and bleeding. To avoid pregnancy gingivitis, visit your dentist regularly. Early detection is crucial to preventing serious dental issues.
To give you even more peace of mind about undergoing a dental X-ray, your dentist will drape a heavy apron over you before turning on the X-ray machine. This apron is specifically designed to minimize radiation exposure. The lead apron covers the abdomen. Essentially, this means the growing fetus is protected during the X-ray process. Therefore, if you have a dental issue, you do not have to wait until your baby’s birth to have a dental X-ray.
If you have recently discovered that you are pregnant, it is beneficial to notify your dentist as soon as possible. Contact Dental Associates of Basking Ridge today to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated dentists will work with you to keep your developing baby safe during your pregnancy while also maintaining your dental hygiene. With years of experience, you can trust our dentists to help you improve your overall oral health.
