Going to the dentist before birth

[Paula30CWR]

Hi,

I wanted to make use of the maternity card since you can get your teeth checked and it's for free.

But how many of you has done this before the birth if they can't do much because you can't have x-rays done while you're pregnant.

I'm due in 3 weeks and thought it'd be a good idea to go now that i'm on maternity leave and have a bit of time. But to be honest, i feel so tired i have decided to stay in. I know after the birth it will be probably more difficult with little time and sleep. But I just wanted to check if you think it's more useful going before or after the birth, when they can actually do a treatment.

Thanks,

Paula

Where I am (Scotland) you get free dental treatment till your little one is a year old.

I made good use of this by getting all the treatment planned and appointments booked in whilst I was pregnant so that the work would be completed by the time my entitlement ended.

Hope this helps :)

Do both. Dental health in pregnancy is very important, hence the exemption. X-rays are not always necessary, and problems can be treated. I had a root canal treatment during my first pregnancy.

X rays are fine but most dentists won't do them because we are terrified that if (heaven forbid) there was a problem with your baby, that you would blame it on the x rays which IMHO is understandable so we usually ration them to people who are pregnant and in severe pain or at risk of infection which would be more detrimental IYSWIM.

You get free dental in England and Wales until baby is a year old so no hurry but as candles said, dental health IS important.