Pregnancy comes with so many questions. One of the most common is whether it is okay to go to the dentist. The short answer is yes. Your teeth and gums deserve attention now more than ever, and knowing what to expect in each trimester makes it much easier to plan your visits.
The best time for dental work during pregnancy is whenever you need it, since the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agree that preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care is safe throughout pregnancy. Generally, many patients find the second trimester the most comfortable window for planning dental treatment.
Wherever you are in your pregnancy, whether this is your first or your third, this guidance can take the guesswork out of scheduling your dental care.
Is Dental Care Safe While You’re Pregnant?
Yes. According to the ADA, oral health care, including dental x-rays and local anesthesia, is safe at any point during pregnancy. In fact, thanks to hormonal changes, extra snacking, and acid from morning sickness, pregnancy also raises the risk of gum inflammation and cavities, so keeping up with your visits can be even more important than usual.
The ADA and ACOG agree that putting treatment off can lead to more complex problems, and that emergency treatment, like extractions, root canal therapy, and dental restoration, can be performed safely. One key exception to know about is nitrous oxide, which the ADA recommends pregnant patients avoid. So, when you do attend a dental appointment, telling the team that you are pregnant during treatment planning is essential.
A Trimester-by-Trimester Guide
The fact that going to the dentist is deemed safe throughout pregnancy does not mean the same thing at every stage. Here’s a closer look at how planning dental care usually plays out throughout each trimester.
First Trimester
In early pregnancy, elective cosmetic work can often wait, but needed treatment should not. This is typically a good time for a routine cleaning and exam, so any emerging problems and risk factors are identified before they develop into major problems. Since nausea and fatigue during this time can make long appointments tough, Dr. Michael J. Franquemont (or “Dr. Mike”) recommends shorter visits and a snack or sip of water beforehand to help make the experience smoother.
Second Trimester
For many people, the second trimester is the most comfortable time for dental work. Morning sickness often eases, energy returns, and lying back in the chair is usually still comfortable. This is a good window to catch up on necessary fillings or continue with other planned care, like gum disease treatment. The ADA also recognizes scaling and root planing, the deep cleaning used for gum disease, as safe during pregnancy.
Third Trimester
Dental care remains safe in the third trimester. In many cases, it’s preferable, as finishing planned or necessary work before your due date means fewer appointments (or stress about skipping appointments) after your baby arrives.
It is worth noting, however, that lying back for long stretches can get uncomfortable, and fatigue is also common. Thus, these visits are often kept shorter, with position adjustments and breaks as needed.
What to Tell Your Dental Team
Before (or at the very start of) your visit, share your due date, any complications, and the medications or prenatal vitamins you take. The ADA suggests dentists connect with the obstetrician when needed, so ask your OB whether anything about your pregnancy calls for special precautions. Local anesthetics and certain antibiotics, including penicillin and amoxicillin, are generally considered safe, though for pain relief the ADA suggests consulting your obstetrician.
Dental Emergencies Should Never Wait
A severe toothache, facial or periodontal swelling, a cracked tooth, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a fever suggesting possible infection should be treated promptly, regardless of trimester. Waiting often makes problems more complex, so Dr. Mike encourages patients to call right away when they notice any of these symptoms.
Caring for Your Teeth at Home
Daily habits matter even more during pregnancy. A few, fairly straightforward steps and minor adjustments can make a big difference:
- As usual, continue brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and flossing between your teeth daily.
- After morning sickness, instead of brushing right away, rinse with 1 cup of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to avoid spreading stomach acid across your enamel while brushing.
- Sip water throughout the day, and choose less sugary and acidic snacks whenever possible when cravings strike.
- Keep up with your preventive care and cleanings, as pregnancy hormones can cause gums to swell and bleed more easily.
If you need extra protection against erosion or decay, ask about fluoride varnish, which many people tolerate better than gels during bouts of nausea.
Pregnancy-Friendly Dental Care in Centennial, CO
If you’re expecting an addition to the family in Centennial and wondering when to schedule your visit, contact Dr. Michael Franquemont and our gentle, caring team to book an appointment and plan care that fits your pregnancy and your comfort.