By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
Pregnancy brings hormonal changes that affect your gums and teeth. Far from avoiding the dentist, regular care during pregnancy protects both you and your baby.
Routine dental check-ups and cleanings are safe and recommended during pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester. Treating gum inflammation is important because pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease. Elective procedures and non-urgent X-rays are usually postponed, but urgent treatment should not be delayed. Always tell your dentist you are pregnant.
Why gums bleed more in pregnancy
Hormonal changes make gums more reactive to plaque, causing "pregnancy gingivitis" - swollen, tender, bleeding gums. Good cleaning and a professional scaling keep it under control. Learn more about bleeding gums.
What is safe
- Check-ups, cleanings and scaling - safe and encouraged.
- Necessary fillings and urgent treatment, ideally in the second trimester.
- Local anaesthesia in normal dental doses is considered safe.
What is usually postponed
- Elective cosmetic procedures and whitening.
- Non-urgent X-rays, unless needed for an emergency.
Protecting your teeth
Brush twice daily, clean between teeth, rinse after morning sickness with water rather than brushing immediately, and keep your check-ups. Book a pregnancy-safe check-up at The Tooth Studio.
Have a question about your smile?
Book a consultation with Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy, or get free guidance on WhatsApp.