Dental treatment 'safe' at 13 to 21 weeks' gestation Updated: 6/11/2008 4:00:28 PM Print Article Email Article           It is safe for pregnant women to undergo essential dental treatment, including under general anaesthetic, at 13 to 21 weeks' gestation, according to new research. A study published in the June issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association suggested that it is fine for pregnant women to have scaling or root planing treatments at that stage, or up to three months after delivery. Previously this has been assumed to be the case, but clinical evidence to back it up was lacking. The researchers looked at 823 pregnant women suffering from gum disease and found that "periodontal treatment and essential dental treatment, administered at a time between 13 and 21 weeks' gestation, did not significantly increase the risk of any adverse outcome evaluated". However, experts continue to recommend that pregnant women defer elective care before eight weeks' gestation and during late pregnancy. It may be important for a pregnant woman with gum disease to seek treatment, as earlier research has found a link between the dental bacteria associated with this disease and premature labor. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

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