Yes — dental care during pregnancy is considered safe, and necessary treatment should not be postponed. Check-ups, cleaning, fillings and root canal treatment can be done at any stage with sensible precautions, and the second trimester is usually the most comfortable time for planned work. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) describes oral health care as a safe and important part of pregnancy care.
How pregnancy affects your mouth
Pregnancy hormones make the gums react more strongly to plaque. Many women notice swollen, red gums that bleed when brushing, known as pregnancy gingivitis. A classic study by Löe and Silness (1963) reported a clear rise in gum inflammation during pregnancy.
Morning sickness exposes the teeth to stomach acid, and frequent snacking raises the risk of decay. A small, red lump on the gum, called a pregnancy epulis, can also appear. It is benign and often shrinks after the birth.
Timing of dental care during pregnancy
- First trimester: nausea is common. Examination, cleaning and urgent care go ahead; long procedures may wait.
- Second trimester: usually the easiest time for fillings, root canal work and gum treatment.
- Third trimester: lying flat becomes uncomfortable, so visits are kept short and the chair is tilted slightly to the left.
Cosmetic treatment such as whitening, and planned surgery such as implants, are generally left until after the birth.
Local anaesthetic, X-rays and medicines
Dental local anaesthetics in normal doses are used during pregnancy. Leaving an infected tooth untreated carries more risk than treating it. Treatment is done under local anaesthesia, and some sensitivity afterwards is possible.
Dental X-rays use a very low dose and are taken only when needed for diagnosis, with a lead apron and thyroid collar. If medicines are required, your dentist chooses ones suitable in pregnancy and may consult your obstetrician.
Gum disease and preterm birth
Some observational studies linked gum disease with preterm birth. However, a randomised trial by Michalowicz and colleagues (2006) found that gum treatment during pregnancy did not change the rate of preterm birth, and it confirmed that treatment was safe. Gum care is therefore worthwhile for your own health. See our pages on gum disease treatment and dental cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a tooth extracted while pregnant?
Yes, if a tooth is infected or painful it can be removed under local anaesthesia. The second trimester is preferred where possible. In an emergency, waiting is not advised.
Should I brush straight after vomiting?
No. Rinse with water or a little bicarbonate of soda in water first. Wait about half an hour before brushing, as acid softens the enamel surface.
Is teeth whitening allowed in pregnancy?
Whitening is cosmetic, so it is usually postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Regular cleaning keeps teeth healthy in the meantime.
Do I need to tell the dentist I am pregnant?
Always mention your stage of pregnancy and any medicines. Treatment is planned around this information. A definitive diagnosis and treatment plan are made by the dentist after the examination.
References
- Löe H, Silness J. Periodontal disease in pregnancy. I. Prevalence and severity. Acta Odontol Scand. 1963;21:533–551.
- Michalowicz BS, Hodges JS, DiAngelis AJ, et al. Treatment of periodontal disease and the risk of preterm birth. N Engl J Med. 2006;355(18):1885–1894.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 569: Oral health care during pregnancy and through the lifespan. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;122(2 Pt 1):417–422.
Visiting us in Istanbul
If you are expecting and live in or near Bahçelievler, you are welcome to book a check-up at any stage. Please mention how many weeks pregnant you are when you get in touch; you can write to us on WhatsApp in English. Details are on our contact page.
Medically reviewed by the dentists of Yayla Dental Akademi.