Pregnancy and teeth: can I go to the dentist? What to look after

In short: yes, you can and should look after your teeth during pregnancy. Going to the dentist while pregnant is safe and recommended, especially for check-ups and cleanings. The most typical thing in this stage is gums that bleed because of the hormones. The golden rule: always say that you are pregnant and how many weeks you are.

Can I go to the dentist while pregnant?

Yes, and it is one of the most frequent questions. There is a myth that during pregnancy you have to put your mouth on hold, and it is exactly the opposite: it is a stage in which it is advisable to keep your oral health more under control than ever. Check-ups and professional cleaning are perfectly compatible with pregnancy and help to prevent problems.

That said, there is one rule you must never skip: always say that you are pregnant and which week you are in. With that information, everything necessary is adapted, the most comfortable moments are chosen and anything that can wait is postponed. If you take any medication or have a high-risk pregnancy, mention that too.

Why do my gums bleed during pregnancy?

It is very common. The hormonal changes of pregnancy make the gums react more intensely to plaque, becoming inflamed and bleeding easily when brushing. It is known as pregnancy gingivitis and is usually noticeable especially from the second trimester onwards.

The most common mistake is to stop brushing the area because it bleeds. It is exactly the opposite of what you should do: if you stop cleaning, more plaque builds up and the gum gets worse. The right thing is to continue with gentle but consistent hygiene. If the inflammation gets worse, an assessment is advisable, because neglected gingivitis can develop into a bigger periodontics problem. A professional dental cleaning during this period helps enormously to keep the gums in check.

What should I look after especially during pregnancy?

Beyond the gums, there are a couple of things specific to this stage worth keeping on the radar:

• Nausea and vomiting. If you vomit, do not brush right afterwards: the acid softens the enamel and brushing while it is fresh wears it down. Better to rinse with water (or water with a little bicarbonate) and wait a while to brush.
• Sweet cravings and snacking. Eating many times a day and at odd hours increases the risk of decay. Try to moderate the sugar and, if you snack, better all at once than sipping for hours.
• Your usual hygiene, without fail. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss or interdental brushes, and do not skip the night-time cleaning.
• Keep up your check-ups. A healthy mouth during pregnancy is also an investment in your baby’s oral health for the future.

When is the best time to go to the dentist during pregnancy?

For a check-up or a cleaning, any time is good; there is no need to wait. For treatments that can be scheduled, the second trimester is usually the most comfortable stage: the early nausea has passed and you are not yet in the final weeks, when spending a long time lying back in the chair is more uncomfortable.

If an emergency or an infection arises, it is not put off because you are pregnant: an untreated dental infection is worse for you and the baby than dealing with it. In those cases each situation is assessed carefully, always knowing that you are pregnant. If any treatment had to be considered, such as a root canal for an infection, it is decided with you and with every precaution.

This guide is for information only and does not replace a consultation or a professional diagnosis: every pregnancy is different and it is worth discussing your case with your dentist and your gynaecologist. If you are pregnant and want a check-up or have doubts about your gums, write to us or come and see us; here is the contact and how to get to the clinic in Bilbao.