Dental Treatment in Pregnancy: Is It Safe, and When?
During pregnancy, procedures such as examination, scaling, fillings, root canal treatment and necessary extractions can be carried out with appropriate precautions. Situations such as pain, swelling or infection should not be postponed; an untreated infection can pose a greater risk to both mother and baby. Non-essential aesthetic procedures are generally left until after the birth. It is important to tell your dentist at every appointment that you are pregnant and how many weeks you are.
What changes in the mouth during pregnancy?
| Change | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy gingivitis | Hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive to plaque; redness, swelling and bleeding when brushing are common. |
| A lump on the gum | In some people a benign red lump that bleeds easily may develop on the gum. It usually shrinks after the birth; even so, it should be assessed by a dentist. |
| Increased risk of decay | Frequent snacking, nausea and vomiting can increase acid exposure and disrupt oral care, raising the risk of decay. |
| Enamel erosion | Repeated vomiting can cause acid-related erosion of the tooth surfaces. |
There are studies reporting an association between gum disease and preterm birth in expectant mothers; however, it has not been conclusively shown that treating gum disease during pregnancy prevents preterm birth. Gum treatment is important for the mother's oral health, and should be carried out for that reason.
Planning by trimester
| Period | General approach |
|---|---|
| First trimester (weeks 1–13) | Examination and cleaning can be carried out. As nausea may be pronounced, longer procedures can be planned for the next period if they are not urgent. Emergencies are not postponed. |
| Second trimester (weeks 14–27) | The most comfortable period for many expectant mothers. Necessary fillings, root canal treatment and gum treatment are mostly planned for this period. |
| Third trimester (from week 28) | Necessary treatment can be carried out; however, because lying on the back for a long time can cause discomfort and a drop in blood pressure, appointments are kept short and attention is paid to positioning. |
This is a general framework; the plan is set individually according to the course of the pregnancy and the advice of your obstetrician.
What is taken into account at the clinic?
| Subject | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Information | You should tell us how many weeks pregnant you are, the vitamins and medicines you take, whether the pregnancy is high-risk and what your obstetrician has advised. |
| Local anaesthesia | The local anaesthetics used in dental treatment can be used in pregnancy at doses the dentist considers appropriate. Being treated while in pain can cause more stress than using anaesthesia. |
| Radiographs | Taken only if genuinely necessary for diagnosis. The radiation dose of dental radiographs is very low and they are taken with protective measures. |
| Medicines | If a painkiller or antibiotic is needed, options considered safe in pregnancy are chosen, with your obstetrician's opinion where necessary. Do not take medicines on your own initiative. |
| Position | In later pregnancy, sitting slightly upright and turned to the left rather than flat on the back is more comfortable. Tell the dentist straight away if you feel dizzy, nauseous or short of breath. |
| Appointment length | Short appointments with frequent breaks are preferred. |
Care at home and nausea
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and cleaning between the teeth every day, are advised. Do not stop brushing because your gums bleed; bleeding is usually a sign of plaque build-up and reduces with regular, gentle cleaning.
After vomiting, rinse your mouth with water rather than brushing immediately, and wait a while before brushing; enamel softened by acid is more easily worn away by a brush. If brushing makes you feel sick, you could try a small-headed brush and a less strongly flavoured toothpaste. If you need to snack frequently, options such as cheese, yoghurt and vegetables can be chosen instead of sugary and sticky foods.
Procedures that can be postponed
Aesthetic procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers or crowns, non-essential implant surgery and comprehensive aesthetic work are generally planned for after the birth. This does not mean these procedures are necessarily harmful; the aim is to avoid unnecessary medication and long appointments where the work is not urgent.
What should not be postponed: severe toothache, facial swelling, an abscess, fever, trauma and fractures. In these situations you should attend without waiting, whatever stage of pregnancy you are at.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a local anaesthetic while pregnant?
Yes. The local anaesthetics used in dental treatment can be used in pregnancy at the doses determined by the dentist. Please be sure to tell us that you are pregnant and about any particular circumstances.
Can dental radiographs be taken during pregnancy?
They can be taken if necessary for diagnosis. The dose of dental radiographs is very low and they are taken with protective measures. Radiographs that are not necessary are postponed.
My gums bleed when I brush — is this normal?
It is common in pregnancy but it is not something to be left. Continue gentle, regular brushing and interdental cleaning, and make an appointment for a check-up; scaling can be carried out if needed.
Can teeth be extracted during pregnancy?
Yes, if necessary. Extraction of a tooth causing infection or severe pain should not be postponed. Planning is based on the stage of pregnancy and general health.
Can I have dental treatment while breastfeeding?
Yes. Procedures such as local anaesthesia and fillings are no obstacle to breastfeeding. If medication is needed, tell your dentist that you are breastfeeding.
Local assessment
At our clinic at the Beylikdüzü–Esenyurt junction, treatment planning for expectant mothers is carried out by assessing the stage of pregnancy, the clinical examination findings, general health and your obstetrician's advice together. MSc. Dt. Mehmet Taş and his team plan the length of the appointment and your position in the chair according to how many weeks pregnant you are.
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