The decision to get dental sealants during pregnancy will depend on your risk of cavities and decay. It is a known fact that pregnancy brings several changes in the body such as hormonal changes. And, these changes are believed to affect your oral health and increase your risk of decay and gum disease.

We have several preventive dental procedures that can prevent cavities and other oral problems during pregnancy, but not all are ideal for you. According to the American Dental Association, treatments that require local anesthesia like tooth extraction are ideal during pregnancy. However, you are advised to withhold on getting dental procedures unless they are an emergency until after the child is born.

Dental sealants are, however, more preventive measures that can help prevent decay and cavities just like cavity fillings. The effectiveness of dental sealants has been a topic of concern for a while; are they safe, and should you get them when pregnant? These are important questions to ask our family dentist in North Brunswick, NS.

What Are Sealants?

Dental sealants are coating usually applied on the back teeth to shield them and protect them from cavities and bacterial attacks. These sealants are mostly recommended for children, but adults can also get them if they have healthy teeth without fillings or decay.

Why May They Be Helpful in Pregnancy?

Morning sickness and hormonal changes may increase your risk of cavities and gum infection. The constant vomiting can increase acidity in the mouth, which can erode the teeth and make them weaker and more prone to cavities. Furthermore, the tissues and ligaments can loosen and make the teeth wiggly. While this does not cause tooth loss, it can be alarming and if you are concerned about it you may want to visit an emergency dentist in South Brunswick.

Because of the higher risk of decay, dental sealants may be ideal for you. They cover the teeth and decrease the chances of you developing cavities.

Are They Safe?

According to the Center for Disease Control, dental sealants are effective in preventing cavities by about 80 percent. However, there are concerns about the BPA levels in the plastic sealants. Several research studies have reported that the BPA can have adverse effects on the baby’s brain development and also your immune, thyroid, and nervous systems.

The ADA states that the BPA levels in the sealants are negligible and cannot cause harm.

But, if you are concerned about the BPA levels, you can opt for glass ionomer sealants. These sealants contain fluoride that can also support the teeth and are easy to apply (take minutes to harden).

Take note though, they are not as effective and durable as plastic coatings.

When Should They Be Applied?

It is recommended that you inform our Monmouth Junction dentist when you discover you are pregnant. This will allow the dentist to make the necessary recommendation on how to maintain your oral health. He will discuss getting sealants, which are recommended in the early stages of pregnancy because they will be more effective.

The dental sealant procedure is done in about 30 minutes and it does not need local anesthesia. Our dentist in 08852 will first clean the teeth and separate them to keep them dry (although the glass ionomer sealants are not affected by saliva).

The dentist applies an acid solution to the teeth to condition and roughen them, then rinse them out. The conditioning helps the sealants to bond properly on the teeth. Laser light may be used to harden the sealants, but it is not necessary. The teeth will be rinsed and polished for a final look.

How Can You Maintain Your Oral Health?

You can support and maintain your oral health with these tips:

  • Get regular checkups and cleanings
  • Brush, floss, and rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent gingivitis
  • Eat a nutrient-dense and teeth-friendly foods
  • Scrape your tongue every day to remove bacterial

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Brunswick Smiles for more information on the effectiveness and safety of dental sealants during pregnancy. We also share more details on our other treatments like orthodontics and restorative treatments that you benefit from.

‍