Supporting dental care during pregnancy

Pregnancy can raise questions for some patients about dental care. Consistent reassurance from the dental care team can help patients stay on track with routine, clinically indicated treatment throughout pregnancy.

Clinical guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association¹ says that preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental care can be safely provided during pregnancy and should not be postponed. That includes:

• Routine exams and cleanings
• Periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planning
• Necessary restorative treatment 
• Dental radiographs with appropriate shielding
• Local anesthetics 

Dental visits during pregnancy also provide an opportunity for preventive education, making it a great time for you to counsel patients on oral hygiene, nutrition, managing nausea-related oral health concerns and early childhood oral health.²

Why oral health matters during pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of oral health conditions, including:

• Developing pregnancy tumors, or pyogenic granulomas, during the second trimester
• Enamel erosion due to exposure to gastric acid 
• Increased cavity risk due to changes in diet

Routine dental visits allow you to monitor any changes and address oral health concerns early.