Oral Health 3 min read
Dental Care During Pregnancy: What's Safe and When
Hormone changes can make gums more sensitive during pregnancy. Regular dental care is safe and recommended, and here is how to plan it.
This guide relates to our scaling & polishing treatment.
Is dental care safe during pregnancy?
Yes. A dental check-up is safe during pregnancy, and the NHS recommends regular check-ups, because hormone changes make gum problems more likely. A dentist will offer treatment when it is safe to do so, and will talk with you about timing. A scaling and polishing visit is a routine part of this care.
Tell the team you are pregnant at the start of each visit, so they can plan the treatment with you.
Why do gums bleed more during pregnancy?
The NHS notes that bleeding gums are a common symptom during pregnancy. Hormone changes make gum problems more likely, so the gums can bleed even with brushing that is good enough at other times. Bleeding that does not settle should be checked by a dentist.
| Concern | What helps |
|---|---|
| Bleeding gums | Brush twice a day, clean between teeth, and book a check-up |
| Morning sickness | Rinse with water after being sick, and wait about an hour before brushing |
| Gum disease | Regular check-ups and professional cleaning, as advised |
| X-rays | Usually delayed until after the baby is born, if they are not urgent |
What about X-rays and treatment?
Dental X-rays are taken only when needed. Dentists often delay X-rays until after the baby is born, unless they are urgent. Non-urgent treatment such as new or replacement fillings can often be delayed too. These are decisions to make together with your dentist and, where relevant, your doctor.
What home care helps?
Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth every day. If morning sickness brings vomiting, rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing, because the acid can soften the enamel.
When to see a dentist in Multan
Book a check-up early in pregnancy if you have bleeding, swollen gums or a toothache. We are open Sunday to Thursday and on Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and we are closed on Fridays. Message us on WhatsApp about dental care in pregnancy and tell us how far along you are.
Dental care at each stage of pregnancy
Early in pregnancy, a check-up helps find problems such as gum inflammation, and routine cleaning is part of care. Later in pregnancy, we may plan treatment around how you feel, and we keep visits short and comfortable.
After the baby is born, keep up your own dental care, and book your child's first visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth.
This article is general information. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to have a dental check-up when pregnant?
Yes. The NHS says a check-up is safe and recommended during pregnancy, and the dentist will decide with you about any treatment.
Is a dental X-ray safe during pregnancy?
Dental X-rays do not increase the risk to an unborn baby, but they are usually delayed unless urgent. Tell the team you are pregnant before any X-ray.
Can I have a cleaning when pregnant?
Yes, a routine cleaning is a normal part of care during pregnancy. Tell the team you are pregnant so they can plan with you.
Why are my gums bleeding more?
Hormone changes make gum problems more likely. Brush and clean between teeth well, and book a check-up if the bleeding does not settle.
Can I have a numbing injection during pregnancy?
Local anaesthesia is commonly used in dental care. Tell us you are pregnant, so the dentist can decide the safest option with you.
Sources
Have a question about your own teeth?
Book on WhatsApp, and our team will reply with the next steps.