Dental Care During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and When to Have Treatment

Yes. Check-ups and most necessary dental treatment are safe during pregnancy, and dental care during pregnancy should not be put off. The second trimester is usually the most comfortable time for planned treatment, while pain, swelling or infection should be treated at any stage.

Hormonal changes, new eating patterns and morning sickness can all affect your mouth during pregnancy. An untreated dental infection causes pain and stress for the mother and adds unnecessary inflammation to the body. If you are planning a pregnancy, having any treatment done beforehand is ideal.

Pregnancy gingivitis

Pregnancy hormones exaggerate the way your gums react to plaque. Many women notice swollen, red gums that bleed when brushing, often from the second month onwards. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis.

Some women develop a red, easily bleeding lump on the gum, sometimes called a pregnancy tumour or pregnancy epulis. Despite the name, it is not cancerous and often shrinks after the birth, but it should still be checked by a dentist. Careful daily cleaning and, where needed, a professional clean during pregnancy are the best ways to keep gingivitis under control.

Which dental treatments are safe while pregnant?

Every decision takes into account your general health and stage of pregnancy. Always tell your dentist that you are pregnant and how many weeks along you are, and keep your midwife or obstetrician informed.

• Examinations and professional cleaning: safe and recommended
• Necessary treatment such as fillings and root canal treatment: can be carried out at a suitable time, and should not be delayed if you are in pain
• Local anaesthetic: the anaesthetics used in dentistry are considered safe at appropriate doses
• Dental X-rays: can be taken when genuinely needed, with very low doses and protective measures
• Teeth whitening and cosmetic treatments: best postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Medicines: take painkillers or antibiotics only as advised by a clinician aware of your pregnancy

The best time for dental treatment in pregnancy

The first trimester is when the baby's organs are forming and nausea is often at its worst, so non-urgent procedures are usually deferred. The second trimester, roughly months four to six, tends to be the most comfortable and is preferred for planned treatment.

In the third trimester, lying flat on your back for long periods can cause discomfort and light-headedness, so appointments are kept short and the chair is tilted slightly to the side. Severe pain, swelling or infection, however, should be treated promptly whatever the stage.

Looking after your teeth at home

Morning sickness, vomiting and frequent snacking can leave teeth more vulnerable to decay and acid erosion. A few simple habits make a real difference.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily
• Do not brush straight after vomiting; rinse with water and wait a while before brushing
• If brushing triggers nausea, try a small-headed brush and a mild-flavoured toothpaste
• Choose cheese, yoghurt, vegetables or fruit over sugary snacks
• Drink plenty of water and limit acidic and sugary drinks

Do you lose a tooth for every baby?

No, this is a myth. Your baby does not take calcium from your teeth. Dental problems can increase during pregnancy because sensitive gums, nausea and changes in diet make oral care harder, not because pregnancy itself weakens teeth. With good home care and regular check-ups, you can come through pregnancy with a healthy mouth.

A check-up early in pregnancy, or while you are planning one, is a sensible first step. In Baku, you can book an examination with Dr. Merve Hakan to prepare your teeth and gums for this special time.