Dental X-ray for Pregnant Women: Is it Safe?

Dental X-ray for Pregnant Women: Is it Safe? : The short answer is, yes! Dental X-rays are an important part of dental care that can detect and diagnose issues with teeth and gums that may not be able to be seen with the naked eye. Dental X-rays allow dentists to identify and treat these issues early on before they cause bigger problems such as pain, infection, or more serious issues.

While X-rays are considered safe, you may wonder if they are safe for pregnant women. During pregnancy, there seems to be a never-ending list of things to avoid to keep your baby safe and healthy. Luckily, dental X-rays are not one of them.

Radiation Concerns

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that dental X-rays are safe for everyone, including pregnant women as well as children. Today’s technology has brought huge advancements in the dental world, including the safety of dental X-rays. The use of digital X-ray images today reduces the amount of radiation by roughly 80% compared to previous film X-rays. While very high radiation doses can harm a developing fetus, these levels are not used in diagnostic X-ray imaging in dental care. While many to-be mothers may be concerned that any amount of radiation exposure could harm the baby, dental X-rays focus solely on the patient’s mouth so the amount of radiation is extremely minimal and the fetus isn’t exposed. A protective apron that patients wear during dental X-rays also blocks any potential radiation exposure to the body.

Why Dental X-Rays are Important

Because dental X-rays can diagnose issues that may affect a mother’s health and ultimately the babies, dentists believe the benefits of getting one while pregnant can outweigh any of the potential risks. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and other side effects of pregnancy can make individuals more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay. Some studies suggest that gum infections may be linked to premature delivery. Ensuring your mouth, teeth, and gums are healthy is vital to maintain a healthy pregnancy. A dental x-ray is able to detect early signs of dental concerns which could potentially be harmful to the baby.

Dental Care Tips for Pregnant People

Here are some dental care tips from Fab Dental to ensure your mouth is healthy during your pregnancy.

Brush and floss at least twice a day, morning and night, or after eating.
Visit the dentist every 6 months to maintain positive oral health and detect any potential issues early.
Tell your dentist you are pregnant and discuss your concerns. Many to-be mothers can choose to wait until after the first trimester of their pregnancy to receive X-rays since this is the most vulnerable in terms of the development of the fetus.

Only visit professional, licensed dentists who adhere to strict safety standards, maintain their dental equipment, and provide quality dental care.