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A visit to the dentist every six months is advised. It helps the dentist to identify dental problems at an earlier stage. Decay if detected early, can be easily treated and doesn’t require painful procedures.
A dental treatment is not costlier if treated early. Decay and gingival issues are treated at earlier stages with simple procedures like filling and scaling. Only when decay becomes deep , it requires a root canal treatment and crown which are way much costlier than initial treatments.
When the decay is deep or when there is mobility of teeth, the dentist will prescribe for a small xray called as IOPA or a full jaw xray called as OPG. They have minimal exposure to xray and is does not cause any side effects. These xrays are avoided for pregnant women.
It is safe to perform dental procedures in pregnant woman in the second trimester, that is 3-6 months. Only mandate procedures like treatment for infection or pain is only performed. Any procedure for cosmetic reasons are preferred after delivery.
It is better to avoid taking xrays for pregnant women. If it’s a mandate, then a lead apron and thyroid collar is given for the patient and xray image is taken with minimal exposure possible.
Bad breath is caused due to bacteria accumulation in the teeth. This can be solved by a procedure called scaling. Post the treatment the patient should maintain oral cleanliness by brushing twice daily, cleaning the tongue with tongue scraper. Bad breath is also seen in certain systemic conditions like acid reflux or systemic infection. Medications are prescribed during such conditions.