Dental Care During Pregnancy: What’s Safe and What to Watch For

Pregnancy brings many appointments, and the dentist may not be at the top of the list. It should be on it. Hormonal changes, morning sickness and new eating patterns can all affect your teeth and gums. The good news is that routine dental care is considered safe and encouraged during pregnancy. This guide explains what changes to expect, what is safe, and how to look after your mouth while you are expecting.

Is it safe to see the dentist while pregnant?

Yes. The ADA’s MouthHealthy site says the American Dental Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics all encourage people to see a dentist while expecting. It suggests taking care of cleanings and any needed procedures, such as fillings, before the baby arrives (MouthHealthy: Pregnancy dental concerns).

MouthHealthy also notes that if your pregnancy has been classified as high-risk, your dentist or doctor may recommend postponing certain treatments. Your dental and prenatal care teams can coordinate.

Tell your dentist early

MouthHealthy advises telling your dental team right away, even if you are not yet sure you are pregnant. Share how far along you are and your due date. Give them the full list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, and update it at each visit.

Common mouth changes during pregnancy

Pregnancy gingivitis

Some people develop swollen, tender gums that bleed a little when they brush or floss. MouthHealthy explains that higher hormone levels change how the gums react to plaque. Because gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease, your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings or an antimicrobial rinse. Our guide to signs of gum disease explains what to watch for.

Higher cavity risk

MouthHealthy notes that eating more carbohydrates than usual gives extra fuel to decay-causing bacteria. Our tooth decay guide explains how cavities form.

Morning sickness and enamel

Vomiting raises acid levels in the mouth, which can damage enamel. MouthHealthy says your dentist may recommend rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to neutralize excess acid. Ask your dentist what else they recommend for your situation.

Pregnancy “tumors”

Despite the name, these are not cancer. MouthHealthy describes them as overgrowths of gum tissue, usually in the second trimester, that look red and raw, often between teeth, and bleed easily. They usually disappear after the baby is born. Talk to your dentist if one bothers you.

Dental X-rays during pregnancy

Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation. MouthHealthy’s X-ray page explains that the ADA now recommends X-rays only when your dentist believes they will provide needed diagnostic information, and that abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer considered necessary for patients of any age or health status, including pregnancy, although some practices still use it because of local regulations (MouthHealthy: X-rays). MedlinePlus advises telling your dentist if you might be pregnant (MedlinePlus: Dental x-rays). Our dental X-rays guide covers this in more detail.

Fillings during pregnancy

If you need a filling, discuss the material. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy among groups who should avoid new amalgam (silver) fillings when possible and appropriate, while also advising against removing amalgam fillings that are in good condition (FDA: Dental amalgam fillings). Our comparison of filling materials explains the alternatives.

Daily care while expecting

• Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day, as MouthHealthy recommends.
• Drink plenty of plain water between meals.
• If your gag reflex makes brushing hard, try a smaller brush head, brush more slowly, or try a different toothpaste flavor.
• Choose snacks that are less sugary, and avoid sipping sweet drinks throughout the day.
• Keep your regular checkups and cleanings.

MouthHealthy also notes that poor health habits during pregnancy have been linked with premature delivery, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, which is one more reason to keep up overall self-care.

Getting care if you have coverage questions

Some people gain or change insurance during pregnancy. If you have Medicaid, adult dental benefits vary by state; our guide to finding dentists that accept Medicaid explains how to check. If cost is a barrier, dental school clinics may be an option.

Thinking ahead to your baby’s teeth

Your baby’s teeth begin developing during pregnancy. After birth, our baby teeth timeline explains when teeth typically appear and when to book a first dental visit.

Planning visits by trimester

MouthHealthy’s guidance is simply that dental care is encouraged during pregnancy and that needed procedures should be taken care of before your baby arrives. Practically, many people find it easier to schedule visits when nausea has eased and before the final weeks, when lying back in a dental chair can be less comfortable. If you are uncomfortable in the chair, ask for a pillow, short breaks, or a change of position. Tell the team right away if you feel dizzy or unwell.

If you develop a dental emergency, such as swelling, a broken tooth or severe pain, do not wait. Our guide to what counts as a dental emergency explains when to seek care promptly.

Key takeaways

• Routine dental visits are encouraged during pregnancy by the ADA, ACOG and the AAP, according to MouthHealthy.
• Tell your dentist you are pregnant, your due date and all medicines and supplements you take.
• Hormonal changes can cause pregnancy gingivitis; more frequent cleanings may help.
• Morning sickness acid can harm enamel; a baking soda and water rinse can help neutralize it.
• Discuss filling materials and X-ray needs with your dentist.

After the baby arrives

The months after delivery are busy, and dental visits are easy to postpone. If you had pregnancy gingivitis or pregnancy tumors, a postpartum checkup lets your dentist confirm they have settled. It is also a good moment to catch up on any treatment that was postponed. MouthHealthy’s pregnancy section also covers breastfeeding and caring for your newborn’s mouth, which you can explore as your baby grows.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a dental cleaning while pregnant?

Yes. Major dental and medical groups encourage dental visits during pregnancy, and you may need more frequent cleanings if your gums are inflamed.

What about medicines and anesthetic?

Tell your dentist you are pregnant and share every medicine and supplement you take, as MouthHealthy advises, so they can plan appropriate care. If you have concerns about a specific medicine, ask both your dentist and your prenatal provider.

Why do my gums bleed more now?

Hormonal changes can make gums react more strongly to plaque, a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Keep brushing and flossing, and see your dentist.

Should I brush right after morning sickness?

MouthHealthy suggests rinsing with baking soda and water to neutralize acid. Ask your dentist how long to wait before brushing.

Should I postpone dental work until after delivery?

Not usually. MouthHealthy recommends getting needed procedures done, though in a high-risk pregnancy your dentist or doctor may advise postponing some treatments.

Sources

• ADA MouthHealthy: Pregnancy Dental Concerns
• ADA MouthHealthy: X-rays
• MedlinePlus: Dental x-rays
• FDA: Dental Amalgam Fillings

By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.

Featured image: “Pregnant Woman Sitting Barefoot on Porch Steps” by Oceanic7777, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY 4.0. Resized and compressed for the web.