Pregnancy to-do lists typically have doctor visits, hospital tours and setting up the nursery but it is important to keep one more thing on that list – dental visits. The American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics all encourage women to get dental care while pregnant.
Should I See the Dentist When I’m Pregnant?
Yes, maintaining oral health is directly related to good overall health. This is an important time in a woman’s life and reducing oral bacteria can help keep you and your baby healthy. Not only can you take care of cleanings and procedures such as fillings before your baby is born, but your family dentist can help you with any pregnancy-related dental symptoms you might experience.
Best Time During Pregnancy for Dental Treatment
Not every point in pregnancy is equally suited to dental work. Here’s a general breakdown of what’s typically recommended, though your dentist and OB should always be consulted on your specific case.
| Trimester | General Guidance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First trimester (weeks 1-13) | Routine cleanings and exams are fine; elective procedures often delayed | Organ development is happening, so many providers prefer to minimize non-urgent treatment |
| Second trimester (weeks 14-27) | Considered the safest window for necessary dental work | Morning sickness has often eased, and it’s more comfortable to sit in the chair |
| Third trimester (weeks 28-40) | Routine care continues, but longer procedures can be harder to tolerate | Reclining for extended periods can be uncomfortable; shorter appointments are often preferred |
Urgent issues, like an infection or a broken tooth causing pain, should be treated promptly regardless of trimester. Delaying urgent care poses more risk than the treatment itself.
Can Having A Dental Issues Affect My Baby?
Yes. Periodontal disease, inflammation of the gums causing bone loss around the tooth, has been shown to cause premature birth with low birth weight.
Does Being Pregnant Affect My Teeth?
Pregnancy hormones can make women susceptible to oral diseases including:
- Pregnancy Gingivitis: The inflammation of the gums can cause tenderness and bleeding. If left untreated it can lead to gingival recession and bone loss. Cleanings performed at the dentist office will prevent this.
- Periodontal Disease: Pregnancy may worsen untreated/undiagnosed periodontal disease. Women will experience gum inflammation and bone loss leading to tooth loss.
- Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: Pregnant women may be more prone to cavities (tooth decay). This can be cause of many variables such as the increased amount of acid in your mouth due to morning sickness and acid reflux. Pregnant women also tend to not brush twice a day during this time for many reasons, including a more sensitive gag reflex, tender gums and exhaustion.
- Pregnancy Tumors (Pyogenic Granuloma): Pyogenic granuloma is localized enlargement of the gums. It is not cancer but rather just swelling that happens most often between teeth. They bleed easily and have a red, raw-looking raspberry-like appearance. They usually disappear after your baby is born, but if you are concerned, talk to your dentist about removing them.
- Vomiting: Gastric reflux or vomiting can coat your teeth with strong stomach acids. Repeated exposure can cause damage to tooth enamel and increase risk of decay. Try not to brush teeth immediately after vomiting, this may promote the removal of the tooth enamel. Instead, rinse with water and fluoridated mouthwash. Wait at least an hour to brush teeth.
If you’re noticing early signs of gum recession alongside pregnancy gingivitis, it’s worth understanding what causes receding gums, since pregnancy hormones can accelerate a process that’s already underway from other factors like brushing technique or existing gum disease.
Managing Morning Sickness and Protecting Your Teeth
Since morning sickness is one of the more common culprits behind pregnancy-related tooth decay, a few small adjustments can help protect your enamel.
- Rinse with water or a fluoridated mouthwash immediately after vomiting, rather than brushing right away.
- Wait at least an hour before brushing to avoid brushing softened enamel.
- Try a bland, alcohol-free mouthwash if regular toothpaste triggers nausea.
- Consider a smaller, softer toothbrush if gag reflex sensitivity makes brushing difficult.
- Rinse with water after snacking throughout the day, especially if you’re eating more frequently to manage nausea.
Is It Safe to Get Dental X-rays While I’m Pregnant?
Digital X-rays use much less radiation than older systems that use dental film. Studies have shown that using a lead apron will protect you and your fetus from radiation.
Is it Safe to Receive Local Anesthetics During Pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and need a filling, root canal or tooth pulled, one thing you don’t have to worry about is the safety of the numbing medications your dentist may use during the procedure. They are, in fact, safe for both you and your baby.
A study in the August 2015 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association followed a group of pregnant women who had procedures that used anesthetics like lidocaine shots and a group that did not. The study showed these treatments were safe during pregnancy, as they cause no difference in the rate of miscarriages, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby.
If a root canal is part of your treatment plan, it’s a common source of worry for expecting mothers, but the anesthesia and procedure itself are considered safe when performed by a qualified dentist. Our article on signs you may need a root canal can help you understand what symptoms typically point to needing this treatment, regardless of where you are in pregnancy.
What to Tell Your Dentist Before Treatment
A little communication upfront helps your dental team plan your visit appropriately.
- How far along you are in your pregnancy.
- Any complications or high-risk factors your OB has flagged.
- Medications or prenatal vitamins you’re currently taking.
- Whether you’re experiencing morning sickness, acid reflux, or significant gum sensitivity.
- Your OB’s contact information, in case your dentist wants to coordinate on anything before a procedure.
Oral Care Products Safe to Use During Pregnancy
Most everyday oral care products are perfectly safe to continue using while pregnant, but a few small adjustments can make your routine more comfortable and effective during this time.
- Fluoride toothpaste remains safe and is still recommended for cavity prevention, especially given the increased decay risk many women experience during pregnancy.
- Alcohol-free mouthwash is generally gentler on sensitive gum tissue and won’t cause the stinging sensation some pregnant women notice with alcohol-based rinses.
- Soft-bristled toothbrushes are worth switching to if you aren’t already using one, since pregnancy gingivitis can make gums more tender and prone to bleeding with a firmer brush.
- Water flossers can be a helpful alternative if traditional floss triggers your gag reflex, which becomes more sensitive for many women during pregnancy.
- Always check with your dentist before starting any new whitening product, supplement, or specialty mouth rinse, since not everything marketed as “natural” has been studied for safety during pregnancy.
After Your Baby Arrives: Postpartum Dental Care
Many of the dental changes that show up during pregnancy don’t necessarily resolve the moment your baby is born. Pregnancy gingivitis often improves within a few months postpartum as hormone levels stabilize, but it’s still worth scheduling a follow-up cleaning to help your gums fully recover. Pregnancy tumors, if you developed any, typically shrink or disappear on their own after delivery, though your dentist can evaluate whether any further treatment is needed if one persists.
This is also a good time to catch up on any treatment that was postponed during pregnancy, whether that’s a filling, whitening, or another elective procedure. If you’re breastfeeding, most routine dental treatments and medications remain safe, but it’s always worth mentioning to your dentist so they can factor it into any prescriptions or recommendations. Once your baby starts developing teeth, keep in mind that pediatric guidelines recommend scheduling their first dental visit by their first birthday, so your own postpartum appointment is a good opportunity to ask about what’s next for your little one’s oral health too. Our guide on how to start your child’s dental journey walks through exactly what to expect once that time comes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Care During Pregnancy
Can I get a cavity filled while pregnant?
Yes. Fillings are considered safe throughout pregnancy, and the second trimester is generally viewed as the most comfortable window for this kind of routine treatment.
Is teeth whitening safe during pregnancy?
Most dentists recommend postponing elective cosmetic treatments like whitening until after delivery, simply because there isn’t enough research confirming its safety for the fetus, not because there’s known harm. Once you’re ready to whiten postpartum, our comparison of at-home vs. in-office teeth whitening can help you decide which option fits you best.
Why are my gums bleeding more since I got pregnant?
This is usually pregnancy gingivitis, caused by hormonal changes that make gums more reactive to plaque. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can help manage it until hormone levels return to normal after delivery.
Can poor dental health really affect my baby?
Yes. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight, which is part of why maintaining oral health during pregnancy is considered part of overall prenatal care.
Should I avoid the dentist entirely during the first trimester?
Not entirely. Routine cleanings and exams are still recommended, and urgent issues should always be addressed promptly. It’s mainly elective, non-urgent procedures that are often postponed until the second trimester when possible.
Contact Us Today
Our team at Smileplicity Dentistry is knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have about your pregnancy and dental care. Call us at (919) 298-2308 or contact us online!
