The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued an August 2013 statement “Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Through the Lifespan.” The ACOG states, “prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral conditions, including dental X-rays (with shielding of the abdomen and thyroid) and local anesthesia (lidocaine with or without epinephrine), are safe during pregnancy….[A]mple evidence shows that oral health care during pregnancy is safe and should be recommended to improve the oral and general health of the woman.” The ACOG committee issuing the statement included representatives of the American Dental Association.