Radiology and Pregnancy

537 Words2 Pages

For a while it’s been said that x-rays are dangerous for your baby in the uterus. The majority of women do not consider having an x-ray in this situation. Women actually stop going to the dentist because they believe going to the dentist can damage the health of the baby (Weiss, 2012). Should women who are pregnant continue to go to the dentist? If they continue to come, what effects if any does radiation have, on the mom and the baby?
Why should a pregnant woman continue their regular checkups at the dentist? For starters, it is highly encouraged to continue dental cleanings, annual checkups and let your doctor know you are pregnant. It is very safe but, also much recommended. A pregnant women’s hormones levels rise it causes the gums to swell, bleed and even trap food which leads to irritation of the gums. Having dental work while pregnant is important to prevent gum disease, this is known to happen during preterm birth. The second trimester is the most common and recommended for dental work to be completed (APA, 2013). According to American Dental Association they state, x-rays are safe for pregnant women. OB-GYNs are even encouraging their patients to see their dentists while pregnant. American Dental Association mentions “Oral health is an important component of general health and should be maintained during pregnancy and through a woman’s life” (Palmer, 2013). While you are pregnant it is known for periodontal disease to develop or even get worse since there is a lot of a hormones fluctuating. The article states “Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy can be critical to the overall health of their babies….pregnant women should continue to see a dentist regularly for oral exams and professional teeth cleanings (Daniel...

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...l health is just as important as physical health while pregna

Works Cited

APA. (2013, January). American Pregnancy Association. Retrieved January 28, 2014, from American Pregnancy: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/dentalwork.html
Association, A. D. (2012). America's Leading Advocate for Oral Health. Retrieved from ADA: http://www.ada.org/5160.aspx?currentTab=2
Daniels, J. L., Rowland, A. S., & Longnecker, M. P. (2007). Maternal dental history, childs birth outcome and early cognitive development. Paedoatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 21, 448-457. Retrieved January 28, 2014
Palmer, C. (2013, September 16). American Dental Association. Retrieved January 28, 2014, from ADA: http://www.ada.org/news/8898.aspx
Weiss, R. E. (2012). X-Rays in Pregnancy. Retrieved January 28, 2014, from About.com: http://pregnancy.about.com/od/isitsafeinpregnancy/a/xrays.htm

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