Dental Care During Pregnancy

Will pregnancy affect my oral health?

• Pregnant women experience elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone
• These hormones can cause the gums to react differently to the bacteria found in plaque
• In many cases, this can cause a condition known as "pregnancy gingivitis"
• Symptoms include swollen, red and bleeding gums
• The bacteria in plaque (not hormones) are what cause gingivitis
• Brush twice a day and floss before you go to bed to help avoid plaque buildup
• Women who treat their periodontal health prior to pregnancy decrease their chances of developing pregnancy gingivitis

What are "pregnancy tumors?"

• Pregnancy tumors are rare, usually painless lesions that may develop on your gums in response to plaque
• Although they are not cancerous, they should be treated
• Pregnancy tumors usually subside shortly after childbirth

Could gingivitis affect my baby's health?

• New research suggests a link between pre-term, low birth weight babies and gingivitis
• Excessive bacteria, which cause gingivitis, can enter the bloodstream through your mouth
• The bacteria can travel to the uterus
• This can trigger the production of prostaglandins, which are suspected of inducing premature labor
• Women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and is too small

Should I receive dental treatment while I'm pregnant?

• Continue with your regular dental cleaning and check-ups to avoid oral infections that can affect the fetus, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease
• Dentists recommend that major dental treatments that aren't urgent be postponed until after your child is born
• The first trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby's organs are formed, is the most crucial to your baby's development
• It is best to have procedures performed during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk
• Dental treatment is not recommended during the third trimester because the dental chair tends to be too uncomfortable for the mother

If I do need treatment, what drugs are safe?

• Be extremely cautious of all drugs during pregnancy
• If you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, your dentist may want to treat you more often to achieve healthy gums and a healthy baby
• Although dental anesthetics such as novocaine or lidocaine can enter the placenta, which filters out most drugs, the doses used in most dental procedures are considered safe
• If you need to have dental treatment done during your pregnancy, some acceptable antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin
• It is important to avoid tetracycline, which can cause discoloration of your child's temporary and permanent teeth
• Pain products containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, are approved, but you should be wary of other over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Avoid using narcotics for dental pain until your child is carried to term

Who can I talk to?

• Be sure to ask your dentist or physician before receiving treatment
• Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy
• Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier your pregnancy and baby will be

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

» Back to Dental Health Tips

Editorial Board | Legal Disclaimer | Privacy & Security | Contact Us

©2000-2006 Office of Institutional Advancement, UT-Houston