Urgent dental care can be provided at any stage of pregnancy, while planned treatment is most comfortable in the second trimester.
Dental care during pregnancy should not be postponed. Pain, infection and abscesses are treated at any stage, because an untreated infection poses a greater risk than properly delivered treatment. Planned, non-urgent work is usually most comfortable in the second trimester.
Trimester by trimester
In the first trimester nausea and tiredness are common and organ development is at its most intensive, so elective work is deferred; examination, gum assessment and hygiene advice are the priorities. In the second trimester nausea settles and reclining is easier, so fillings, cleaning and necessary root canal treatment are readily planned. In the third trimester appointments are kept short and the patient is positioned slightly on her left side.
Why gum problems increase
Raised hormone levels amplify the gum's inflammatory response to plaque, so the same amount of plaque produces more redness, swelling and bleeding. This is called pregnancy gingivitis and responds well to good hygiene. Some women develop a benign, easily bleeding gum overgrowth that usually settles after birth.
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush, and do not stop because of bleeding.
- Clean between the teeth, where inflammation usually starts.
- After vomiting, rinse with water and wait about half an hour before brushing.
- If brushing triggers gagging, use a small-headed brush and start at the back.
- Group sugary foods into meals rather than snacking frequently.
Radiographs, anaesthetic and medication
Tell the clinic you are pregnant at the first appointment. Non-urgent imaging can wait; when needed, a dental radiograph can be taken with appropriate protection, as the beam is tightly collimated. Local anaesthetic can be used, with the agent and dose chosen by your dentist. Do not decide on medication yourself: painkiller and antibiotic choices differ in pregnancy and should be agreed with your obstetrician.
Common myths
"Every pregnancy costs a tooth" has no biological basis; the baby does not draw calcium from the mother's teeth. Where decay does increase, the causes are usually changed eating patterns, frequent snacking, stomach acid from nausea and interrupted hygiene, all of which are preventable.
See our pages on gum treatment, dental fillings and emergency toothache. Our Muratpaşa clinic is open every day, around the clock.
