There is much debate about what dental work you should have when you are pregnant. Much of this debate is simply due to a lack of research. Obviously, it is difficult to obtain research on the subject when most pregnant or breastfeeding women are unwilling to risk anything when it comes to their baby.

The following are some guidelines for getting dental work while pregnant:

    If you are pregnant, and also if you are lactating, you should wait to have you teeth whitened. This is dentist recommended, but is also advised by the American Dental Association. So, while there is little research on the effects that bleaching products may have on pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is safest to not try it. The chemical agents in the bleaching compound could be potentially harmful to a fetus or infant.
    If you are pregnant you will want to visit your dentist regularly to check for problems. In fact, you may want to visit your dentist more often when pregnant than you would otherwise because when you are pregnant, if your diet does not consist of enough calcium and other important minerals and nutrients needed for proper fetus growth, it could leech these from your bones (teeth included). Also, many women neglect oral health when pregnant due to tiredness, nausea, etc. So, because of this, the ADA strongly encourages and recommends that pregnant women eat a balanced diet, brush their teeth thoroughly with a fluoride enhanced toothpaste at least twice daily, floss at least once a day and schedule regular dental visits and periodic professional teeth cleanings.
    During pregnancy there is some dental work you would want to avoid. If you are pregnant, due to lack of information, and to be on the safe side, avoid all elective dental treatment. If it is not necessary now, it can wait until you give birth. You want to avoid things like routine dental X-rays, whitening of teeth, and bonding. This is most important during the first trimester, as much of the baby's foundational growth and nutrition comes during that time.
    Even if you are pregnant, if you are experiencing dental pain, emergency treatment including emergency X-rays should be sought. The sooner the better, just make sure you remind and inform your dentist that you are pregnant, and if you are at all worried talk to your obstetrician about it. (keep x-rays at a minimal though, and wear the lead shield)
    Local anesthetic and X-rays should be used conservatively, when pregnant as their effects on a fetus could be great. If at all possible avoid them completely. If you have a lot of dental work to do, try to do it quickly, or hold off pregnancy until it is complete so you do not run the risk of hurting your child.
    Get your teeth professionally cleaned. If you already go semi-annually, and your appointment falls during your pregnancy, keep your regularly scheduled appointment. If you have not been in to see a dentist in a while, schedule an appointment. You may find it helpful when you are pregnant to have your teeth cleaned more frequently than usual.
Despite any horror stories or rumors you have heard, not visiting a dentist when you are pregnant can take a toll on your health as well as the health of your baby; believe it or not, gum disease has been linked to preterm birth, so get your teeth healthy.