quick clicks

pregnancy today articles

pregnancy today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Teeth Trouble

Common Dental Concerns During Pregnancy

By Kimberly A. Loos, D.D.S.

A full mouth series of dental radiographs (X-rays) is generally taken about every 5-7 years. A full mouth series involves taking between 18-21 films. Dentists need to have the information this full mouth series offers to determine if any conditions, such as cysts, tumors, or abscesses, exist in the bone surrounding the teeth. Full mouth radiographs also help determine the health of the teeth and the nerve tissue within the teeth. If nothing else, the complete set of radiographs will serve as comparison for the future if any problems should arise.

The amount of radiation received from a set of 21 dental radiographs is approximately 3 millirems. What the heck is a millirem? Three millirems are equivalent to about 4 days of exposure to radiation received naturally from the environment (i.e. sun). A study done in 1983 from the Nationwide Evaluation of X-ray Trends Tabulations states that the probability of congenital anomalies and childhood malignancies from this amount of radiation is practically nonexistent. The double lead shield with a thyroid protector will reduce exposure even more.

Again, most dentists do not recommend routine radiographs during pregnancy. Of course, minimal radiographs may need to be taken during pregnancy to treat dental emergencies. By having your dental exam completed before you become pregnant, you will reduce your risk that a dental emergency will occur during pregnancy.