CAN MY TOOTH BE EXTRACTED?

Q: I’m five months pregnant. I have terrible toothache that affects my tonsils. The tooth needs to be removed, but I’ve heard that you shouldn’t remove a tooth during pregnancy. A: Tina answers: Good dental health during pregnancy is more important than you think. If you have an infected tooth that is affecting your tonsils it has to be dealt with and indeed may have to be extracted. Oral hygienists urge mothers-to-be to visit with a hygienist at least twice in pregnancy. If pain continues despite the care you are taking consult with your dentist as soon as possible so that a course of action can be decided upon. Due to the action and influence of the pregnancy hormones and the increased blood flow in your entire body including your mouth, gums become softer, more swollen and sensitive than usual. During pregnancy is one time when you must not put off going to the dentist even if it seems that there is no problem, but especially if there is a problem. Advise your dentist that you are pregnant before getting anything done. It is better to wait until after your baby has been born to have any elective dental treatment, but if you suffer any dental trauma such as a broken tooth or an abscess or in your case an infected tooth, get it sorted immediately. In most cases avoid dental X-rays, but if there is a particular need for them, discuss this with your dentist.