Good dental hygiene is an essential for good health of a person, whether one is trying to get pregnant or is already pregnant. Maintaining your dental health is considered highly advisable during pregnancy. Currently, there are a number of minor conflicting issues associated in getting dental work done during the pregnancy, but they can be efficiently handled if the doctor has prior knowledge about the patient’s pregnancy condition.
Dental health during pregnancy:
Swollen gums, bleeding and building up of plaque are common pregnancy symptoms during the second trimester of pregnancy. Due to change in the hormonal levels, particularly progesterone, the teeth become more sensitive and susceptible to bleeding. Hence regular cleaning and check-ups are recommended to avoid irritation and oral infections.
Complications in pregnancy due to poor dental hygiene: It may sound a little far-fetched to some people, but some worries in the pregnancy can result from poor dental health. Periodontal disease (infection of gums caused by plaque) has been found to harm the foetus, although the reason has so far not been understood. Also, the bacteria that cause inflammation in gums can enter the bloodstream and may be a reason for premature labor in some cases. It can also cause babies to be born with low birth weight. For pregnant women, thorough oral hygiene is necessary if they are suffering from some dental disease.
Getting fillings:
Getting mercury amalgam filling has not been found to adversely affect the foetus so far. However, it is best to let the dentist know about the pregnancy so that he may decide what is best for the mother and the baby. The doctor may suggest certain alternatives.
There is absolutely no harm in getting dental fillings after the first trimester of pregnancy. White fillings are harmless. Some medications are considered unsafe, like Lidocaine which can cross the bloodstream and enter the foetus. Class B medications including antibiotics like Penicillin, Amoxicillin are considered safe and may be prescribed after the dental procedure. They are often used to treat infections.
Tips:

• X-rays are not found to be harmful for the baby. Hence it is safe to get an x-ray examination while you are pregnant but it is best to avoid it during the first trimester.
   
• Elective dental procedures like dental whitening and other cosmetic procedures should be postponed till the birth of the baby.
   
• Try to avoid in taking sugary food and acidic drinks between meals to prevent the problem of dental decay.
   
• The doctor must be well-acquainted about the medical condition of the mother so that he may take a wise decision.

To sum up, it can be safely said that getting fillings is not dangerous during pregnancy. It is absolutely essential to maintain good dental health during pregnancy to avoid complications. Other than that, maintaining an optimum dental hygiene is equally important at all stages of life. Like many other safety precautions during pregnancy, there are some associated with getting dental procedures too. Nevertheless, it is best to consult your health care provider and clear your doubts. Remain stress free and cheerful during pregnancy.