Is it safe to see a dentist during pregnancy?
Yes. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe at every stage of pregnancy; a statement adopted by the ADA in 2024 also includes surgical dental treatment carried out to maintain health and treat disease. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), routine and urgent dental treatment is safe at every stage of pregnancy, and routine dental care should continue during pregnancy.
The committee opinion of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) on oral health in pregnancy points in the same direction. According to its abstract, studies on the subject have not raised any concerns about the safety of dental treatment during pregnancy, and ACOG recommends that doctors explain the safety and importance of dental care to pregnant patients.
There is another reason not to neglect your teeth at this time: according to the CDC, pregnancy can make you more prone to gum disease and tooth decay. MouthHealthy, the ADA’s patient website, also recommends having necessary procedures such as cleaning and fillings done before the birth.
Which treatments can be done, and which can wait?
| Treatment | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Check-ups, scaling and polishing, fillings | Can be done at any stage of pregnancy (ADA, CDC) |
| Root canal treatment, extractions, gum treatment | According to the ADA, ACOG states that these treatments, which should not be delayed, can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy |
| Urgent problems such as pain or swelling | Treated at any stage of pregnancy (national consensus statement) |
| Teeth whitening | Not recommended by the NHS during pregnancy or breastfeeding |
| Planned surgical procedures | According to the ADA, ACOG has a separate opinion on postponing non-urgent planned surgery; procedures such as implants are usually left until after the birth |
The national consensus statement in the table is “Oral Health Care During Pregnancy: A National Consensus Statement”, prepared in the US under the coordination of the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center at Georgetown University. The ADA and the consensus statement advise avoiding nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during pregnancy. The statement also recommends avoiding amalgam fillings during pregnancy where appropriate. According to MouthHealthy, in high-risk pregnancies your dentist or doctor may suggest postponing some treatments.
What should you consider in each trimester?
The sources do not restrict dental treatment to a particular stage of pregnancy, but the issues that stand out differ from one trimester to the next:
| Trimester | What the sources highlight |
|---|---|
| First trimester | According to the Cleveland Clinic, vomiting with morning sickness can wear away enamel, and gagging can make brushing difficult. Gum inflammation can begin at this stage. Treatment that should not be delayed is still carried out. |
| Second trimester | According to an obstetrician quoted by the Cleveland Clinic, the second or third trimester is probably more suitable for extensive dental treatment, especially if you have morning sickness. According to MouthHealthy, gum overgrowths known as pregnancy tumours usually appear during this stage. |
| Third trimester | According to the Cleveland Clinic, the symptoms of gum inflammation can get worse in the second and third trimesters. The consensus statement recommends having necessary treatment done before the birth and a suitable position in the dental chair. |
The consensus statement recommends keeping the head higher than the feet during treatment, sitting semi-upright as far as is comfortable and being allowed to change position often. To prevent dizziness or nausea caused by a drop in blood pressure, a small pillow can be placed under the right hip if needed, or you can turn slightly to the left. If you feel dizzy, nauseous or uncomfortable in the chair, say so straight away.
Can dental X-rays be taken during pregnancy?
If they are needed, yes. MouthHealthy states that ACOG considers dental X-rays safe during pregnancy and that dental X-rays give off a very low dose of radiation. According to the ADA’s information, updated in 2025, X-rays are considered safe at every stage of pregnancy. The consensus statement recommends taking X-rays when they are clinically needed to assess oral disease and make a diagnosis.
Advice on protective aprons has changed. The obstetrician quoted by the Cleveland Clinic mentions a lead apron being used to protect the baby and the thyroid; the ADA’s current page, however, states that, following recommendations published in 2023, abdominal and thyroid shields are no longer recommended. If you have questions about this, ask your dentist before the X-ray is taken.
Are local anaesthetic, painkillers and antibiotics safe?
According to MouthHealthy, the numbing medicines dentists use are safe for both the pregnant patient and the baby. The ADA also states that local anaesthetics containing adrenaline can be used during pregnancy. According to the specialist quoted by the Cleveland Clinic, the likelihood of local anaesthetics having an adverse effect is minimal.
Decisions about medicines are individual. The ADA recommends that decisions about painkillers are made in consultation with your obstetrician and states that there are antibiotic options considered safe in pregnancy. MouthHealthy recommends giving your dentist a list of all the medicines you take, both prescription and over the counter. Before taking any medicines you have at home, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How do your gums change during pregnancy?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the marked rise in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone during pregnancy changes the blood flow to the gums and the way they react to plaque. The Cleveland Clinic states that pregnancy gingivitis affects 60–75% of pregnancies in the United States. The gums may be red, swollen and tender, and may bleed when you brush. They usually return to normal after the birth, but untreated inflammation can progress to periodontitis.
Some people develop a growth on the gum, usually between two teeth. MouthHealthy explains that these growths, known as pregnancy tumours, are not cancerous, are swellings that bleed easily and mostly disappear after the birth.
People often ask whether gum disease is linked to premature birth. According to a study cited by the ADA, which reviewed 23 systematic reviews published up to 2016, there is an association between periodontitis and premature birth and low birth weight; the ADA stresses that more research is needed. According to the ADA, ACOG includes gum treatment among the treatments that can be carried out during pregnancy, although no cause-and-effect relationship has been proven. According to MouthHealthy, treatment may involve more frequent professional cleaning or an antimicrobial mouthwash.
How can you protect your teeth if you have nausea and vomiting?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, stomach acid brought up by vomiting can wear away tooth enamel; the ADA also notes that wear caused by morning sickness may be noticed at a dental check-up. The advice in the sources can be summarised as follows:
- Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting. The consensus statement and MouthHealthy recommend rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) dissolved in a cup of water.
- According to patient information from the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in England, do not brush your teeth straight after vomiting, as this can increase the risk of acid wear.
- If the taste of your toothpaste makes you feel sick, the Cleveland Clinic suggests choosing one with a milder flavour.
- According to MouthHealthy, eating more carbohydrates than usual gives extra food to the bacteria that cause decay. The consensus statement recommends cutting down on sugary foods and drinking water or milk instead of fruit juice and fizzy drinks.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day.
What should you tell your dentist?
MouthHealthy recommends telling your dentist straight away that you are pregnant, even if you are not yet sure. The consensus statement also recommends telling the dental practice about your pregnancy and your expected due date. At the appointment, mention:
- how many weeks pregnant you are and your expected due date
- whether your pregnancy is being monitored as high-risk
- all the medicines and vitamins you take
- any specific advice from your obstetrician or midwife
How do we plan dental treatment during pregnancy at Rönesans?
At the examination, we assess your teeth and gums. Which treatment is done now and which can wait until after the birth is decided at the examination, taking into account how many weeks pregnant you are and your symptoms. That is why it is important to tell us at the start of your appointment that you are pregnant and how far along you are; if your obstetrician or midwife has given you any specific advice, please share it with us too.
If treatment is needed, you know from the start which dentist will look after you, and you receive a written treatment and cost plan showing the procedures and the unit and total costs. Costs are confirmed after the examination, based on the treatment plan. Follow-up after treatment runs through a defined process at our practice. Our practice in Serdivan, Sakarya, is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 22:00 and on Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 (Türkiye time), and has its own car park. You can communicate with us in English or German; to arrange an appointment, message us on WhatsApp or use our contact page. If you were planning implant treatment, the general steps are explained on our dental implants page; when it makes sense to start is decided at the examination.