Pregnancy and Dental Care: What 2025 Guidelines Say About Safety and Timing
Pregnancy brings significant hormonal and immune changes that can affect your mouth. Increased levels of hormones such as progesterone and oestrogen boost blood flow to gum tissue and make gums more sensitive to dental plaque. This can lead to swollen, tender gums often called pregnancy gingivitis and increase the risk of gum disease.
If left untreated, gum problems may progress and cause discomfort, infection, or the need for more extensive dental treatment later. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy also helps you set positive habits for your baby’s future dental care and reduces the chance of passing cavity-causing bacteria from mother to child.
The key message: looking after your teeth and gums during pregnancy is essential, not optional.
Dental Care During Pregnancy Is Safe and Recommended
Seeing a dentist while pregnant is safe and encouraged. Regular check-ups and professional cleaning help manage gum changes and prevent problems. Dental professionals are trained to provide care safely during pregnancy, and treatment plans can be adjusted depending on your stage of pregnancy and general health.
X-rays, Anaesthetics, and Routine Procedures
Routine dental check-ups and cleaning are considered safe at any stage of pregnancy.
Dental X-rays are usually postponed unless there is an urgent need, and precautions are taken to protect both mother and baby if an X-ray is required.
For more extensive or elective procedures, non-urgent work is often best scheduled for the second trimester (around weeks 14–27), which is generally a more comfortable and stable period. However, urgent care — such as for pain, infection, or broken teeth — should never be delayed.
Local anaesthetic can be used safely when necessary, and your dentist will always choose medications and pain relief that are appropriate for pregnancy.
Timing and Comfort Considerations
While treatment is possible at any trimester, many people find the second trimester to be the most convenient time for routine or non-urgent dental work. By then, early pregnancy symptoms have usually settled, and physical comfort in the dental chair is better.
Routine cleaning and check-ups should not be postponed, and urgent problems should always be managed promptly. Cosmetic or major elective treatments, such as implants, are best left until after the baby is born unless medically necessary.
Gum Health and Pregnancy Outcomes
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is linked in some studies to higher rates of complications such as preterm birth or low birth weight. However, treating gum disease during pregnancy mainly improves oral health and comfort for the mother. Evidence of direct effects on pregnancy outcomes is still uncertain.
What is clear is that gum treatment during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for the mother’s oral health.
Practical Oral Health Tips During Pregnancy
- Keep up regular dental check-ups and cleaning. Don’t skip appointments just because you’re pregnant.
- Tell your dentist you’re pregnant and share your due date, any pregnancy-related conditions, and medications.
- Manage morning sickness carefully. If you vomit, rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash instead of brushing immediately; wait about an hour before brushing to protect softened enamel.
- Use fluoride toothpaste (1000–1500 ppm fluoride). Brush twice daily for two minutes, spit but don’t rinse afterwards to keep fluoride working.
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks. Try to keep sweet snacks to meal times.
Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals rich in calcium and vitamins.
Accessing Dental Care and Cost Support
Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the past 12 months are entitled to free NHS dental treatment, as long as the course of treatment begins within this period and they hold a valid maternity exemption certificate.
If you don’t yet have your certificate, your midwife or GP can help you apply, and any eligible costs can be refunded if already paid. This support is designed to make it easier to prioritise dental care during pregnancy.
Bottom Line
- Dental treatment during pregnancy is safe and encouraged.
- Routine check-ups and cleanings should continue as normal.
- Urgent issues like pain, infection, or broken teeth should be treated promptly — emergency dental care is available when needed.
- The second trimester is often the most comfortable time for elective work.
- Good oral hygiene supports both your health and your baby’s.
If you’re in or near Cardiff and need friendly, professional care during pregnancy, Dentist in Cardiff is here to help. Our experienced team provides safe and gentle dental treatment for expectant mothers, from routine check-ups to emergency care.
Book your appointment today to keep your smile healthy and comfortable throughout pregnancy.
