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Pregnancy and Dental Health: A Guide for Expectant Mothers

by Apr 1, 2025General Dentistry, Lifestyle

pregnant patient

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Oral health plays a vital role in the overall well-being of pregnant women and their babies. 
  • Many questions surround dental treatment issues during pregnancy, including which procedures are appropriate. 
  • Equipped with accurate, up-to-date information, pregnant women can make more informed decisions about their general and preventive dental care. 

Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time, but it also brings unique challenges, including changes to oral health. Many expectant mothers are unaware of the profound connection between pregnancy and dental health.

Oral health is inextricably linked to pregnancy, as it impacts the general health of the mother as well as specific gestational processes. For instance, periodontal disease, which impacts as much as half of the world’s adult population, is strongly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.1

This blog post aims to educate pregnant women about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, the safety of dental treatments during pregnancy, and how to prevent common dental issues that may arise. Keep reading for pragmatic information on optimizing oral health and pregnancy outcomes for both you and your baby.

Why Dental Health Matters During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can significantly impact oral health due to hormonal changes, dietary shifts, and increased physical demands on the body. Poor oral health during pregnancy has been linked to complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight. This is because the same bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums can get into the bloodstream and target the fetus.2

All of these issues can create challenges for expectant mothers and their babies. In short, maintaining healthy teeth and gums not only supports the mother’s well-being but also contributes to a healthy pregnancy and baby.

How Pregnancy Affects Oral Health

During pregnancy, several factors can increase the risk of dental problems:

  • Hormonal Changes: Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone can make gums more susceptible to inflammation.3
  • Morning Sickness: Frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid, which can erode enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
  • Dietary Cravings: Increased consumption of sugary foods can contribute to tooth decay.
  • Reduced Oral Hygiene: Tender gums or nausea may discourage regular brushing and flossing.

These changes highlight the need for proactive dental care throughout pregnancy.

Common Dental Issues During Pregnancy

  • Pregnancy Gingivitis: Upwards of 75 percent of all pregnant women will experience gingivitis stemming from hormonal fluctuations.4 Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
  • Periodontal Disease: Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, a severe gum infection that may affect pregnancy outcomes.
  • Cavities: Increased snacking combined with reduced oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay.
  • Enamel Erosion: Morning sickness-related vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid, weakening enamel over time.
  • Pregnancy Tumors: These benign growths on the gums (pyogenic granulomas) may develop due to hormonal changes.5 They typically resolve after delivery but can cause discomfort and irritation in the mouth while present.

Safe Dental Treatments During Pregnancy

Dental care is safe during pregnancy. In fact, given the elevated threats discussed above, it is highly recommended. Routine dental cleaning and checkups are encouraged and safe throughout all stages of pregnancy.

Below is a trimester-by-trimester guide with specifics on procedures outside of regular office visits. Keep in mind that the decision to do most treatments has less to do with safety as it does with the comfort of the mother. An experienced dentist will weigh the urgency of each procedure to determine, with the patient, if it should be performed during the pregnancy or if it can wait.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

In general, it is ideal to visit your dentist early in your pregnancy—preferably during the first trimester—to assess your oral health status and create a care plan tailored to your needs. Regular follow-ups throughout pregnancy help promptly address emerging issues. In addition to regular cleanings, procedures like root canals to treat infection or treatment of periodontal disease are suitable during the first trimester.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–24)

This is considered an ideal time to perform non-emergency dental procedures. Elective treatments—like teeth whitening, other cosmetic procedures, and non-urgent dental reconstruction or tooth extractions—should be postponed until after the pregnancy.

Third Trimester (Weeks 25–40)

Again, routine dental care is safe in the third trimester. However, prolonged chair positioning may become uncomfortable for the mother as the pregnancy progresses. For this reason, elective procedures are almost always deferred until after delivery.

Is It Safe to Have X-Rays During Pregnancy?

x-raysDental X-rays are safe during pregnancy when proper shielding is used to protect the abdomen and thyroid gland. Dentists only recommend X-rays when necessary for diagnosing conditions that could pose greater risks if left untreated. An experienced provider will always be willing to discuss with patients the pros and cons of differing dental X-rays until after the pregnancy.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health During Pregnancy

Pregnant women can take several steps to protect their teeth and gums. These can help maintain good oral health in general and minimize some of the more serious threats discussed above.

  1. Brush Twice Daily with Fluoride Toothpaste: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize gum irritation.
  2. Floss Daily: Flossing helps prevent plaque buildup between teeth and reduces gum inflammation.
  3. Rinse After Vomiting: If you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth with baking soda mixed in water (1 teaspoon per cup) to neutralize stomach acid. If possible, brush afterwards.
  4. Eat a Balanced Diet: Eating a healthy diet is good for the general health of any expectant mother and her baby, but it also plays a role in dental health. Limit sugary snacks and opt for nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains that support oral health.
  5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and reduces acid exposure in the mouth.
  6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly: As mentioned, pregnant mothers should have no trepidation about visiting their family dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Schedule these every six months or as recommended by your dentist. Inform your provider about your pregnancy so they can tailor treatments accordingly.

Postpartum Dental Care

After delivery, continue prioritizing oral health by maintaining good hygiene practices and scheduling routine dental visits. Hormonal fluctuations postpartum may still affect gum health temporarily, so vigilance remains important.

Learn More About Pregnancy and Dental Health

Dental health plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby. By understanding how pregnancy affects oral health, addressing common issues promptly, and practicing good hygiene habits, expectant mothers can enjoy a healthier journey toward parenthood.

Our team is experienced in providing compassionate care tailored to each patient, including women who are pregnant, ensuring they receive safe treatments that support both them and their baby! Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment or to discuss pregnancy and dental health.

References

1. Tania Padilla-Cáceres, Heber Isac Arbildo-Vega, Luz Caballero-Apaza, et al., “Association Between the Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight With Periodontal Disease in Pregnant Women: An Umbrella Review,” Dentistry Journal, March 2023, https://www.mdpi.com/2304-6767/11/3/74.

2. Muhammad Nazir, Asim Al-Ansari, Khalifa Al-Khalifa, et al., “Global Prevalence of Periodontal Disease and Lack of Its Surveillance,” The Scientific World Journal, May 2020, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/2146160.

3. Peace Uwambaye, Cyprien Munyanshongore, et al., “Assessing the Association Between Periodontitis and Premature Birth: A Case-Control Study,” BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2021, https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-021-03700-0

4. “Pregnancy Gingivitis,” Cleveland Clinic, March 2022, retrieved on April 7, 2025, from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22484-pregnancy-gingivitis.

5. Parul Sarwal and Kamolyut Lapumnuaypol, “Pyogenic Granuloma,” StatPearls Publishing, January 2025, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32310537/.