Can You Go to the Dentist When You’re Pregnant?

Discover why oral health matters most when you’re pregnant. In this blog, we uncover which treatments are safe and the best time to book appointments.

Pregnancy comes with plenty of questions about what’s safe and what’s not. From certain foods and medications to exercise and travel, it’s natural to be more cautious about anything that could affect you or your baby.

Dental care is no exception to this concern. So, if you feel a toothache or are simply due for a routine check-up, the question remains: Can you go to the dentist when you’re pregnant?

In this guide, we’ll explain whether it’s safe to visit the dentist during pregnancy, the best time to book an appointment, which treatments may need to be adapted and why regular dental care is potentially more important than ever when you’re expecting.

Can you go to the dentist when you’re pregnant?

Not only is it perfectly safe to visit your dentist when you’re pregnant, but it’s highly recommended.

Firstly, because pregnancy causes such dramatic shifts in hormone levels, it heightens the risk of various dental issues emerging.

These problems include:

• Gum disease (gingivitis).
• Periodontitis (if gingivitis is left untreated).
• Pregnancy tumours.
• Tooth decay.
• Enamel erosion.
• Chipped or cracked
• Dental abscesses.

Secondly, because oral health is directly linked to your overall health, visiting your dentist during pregnancy can help identify and treat any problems before they worsen.

For example, if you develop a dental infection that requires a filling or root canal, prompt treatment is often the safest option. Waiting for the infection to worsen will normally cause more damage than the invasive treatment itself.

The type of dental care you receive will depend on your individual needs and the stage of your pregnancy. Routine examinations and professional cleans are encouraged throughout pregnancy, while more complex procedures may be planned for the safest time to perform them.

Despite minimal radiation exposure, you can also receive dental X-rays when they’re clinically necessary. However, your dentist will only recommend X-rays when the benefits outweigh the risks.

Ultimately, seeing your dentist during pregnancy depends on whatever treatments are necessary. The important thing is to have an initial conversation with your dentist, so you can stay on top of your oral health and receive the personalised advice to prevent common pregnancy-related dental problems.

Should you tell your dentist you’re pregnant?

Telling your dentist you’re pregnant is imperative, even if you’re only attending for a routine check-up. This includes your due date and whether your pregnancy is high risk.

By being open about your pregnancy with your dentist, they’re able to provide the safest and most appropriate care.

Plus, if you’re under the care of a midwife or obstetrician, it also helps to let your dentist know so they get a complete picture of your pregnancy and can communicate with other healthcare professionals if more complex dental treatment becomes necessary.

Whether adjusting your treatment plan, postponing non-urgent procedures, or avoiding certain medications, telling your dentist you’re pregnant ensures they can make informed decisions, even if they’re simple adjustments to help you feel more comfortable during your appointment.

The importance of dental care during pregnancy

As discussed, pregnancy brings significant hormonal and physiological changes that can directly impact your oral health.

From rising levels of oestrogen and progesterone increasing blood flow to your gums to changes in diet, morning sickness and pregnancy cravings, multiple influences can combine to collectively throw your oral health off balance, causing problems to develop if preventive action isn’t adopted.

That’s why it’s important to arrange check-ups throughout your pregnancy to help identify any problems early. Treating them before they become more serious ensures your oral health and overall wellbeing remain in the best possible condition for you and your baby.

When is the best time to go to the dentist when you’re pregnant?

The second trimester (weeks 13 to 27) is considered the ideal time for routine dental treatment. At this point, your baby’s major organs have developed, morning sickness has often eased, and it’s usually more comfortable to lie back in the dental chair.

During your first trimester, routine examinations and professional cleans with the hygienist are still encouraged. Depending on the treatment, your dentist may choose to postpone non-urgent procedures until the second trimester.

In the third trimester, routine check-ups can continue as normal, although longer appointments may become uncomfortable as your pregnancy progresses.

All in all, there isn’t so much a “bad” time to see your dentist during pregnancy. Whether you’re due for a routine assessment or experiencing pain, swelling or another dental concern, seeking professional care quickly is the best way to look after yourself and your baby.

Get the all clear on your oral health during pregnancy

At Illume 360° Dental Care, we understand that pregnancy brings unique changes to your oral health.

That’s why we provide a Healthy Mouth Review. A comprehensive 14-point assessment that can be tailored to support pregnant patients more specifically. This review offers an extensive check-up where we identify problems and ease concerns.

By taking a preventative, whole-health approach, we go beyond dentistry and teeth to help patients maintain the very best oral health, giving you greater confidence and peace of mind throughout your pregnancy.

If you’re expecting and would like expert advice on caring for your teeth and gums, get in touch with our Cheltenham practice today.