When to Choose Dental Treatment During Pregnancy

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Lee Jang-uk, Chief Director

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Etoile de Seoul Dental Clinic.

Many expectant mothers who are worried about changes in their bodies that come with the happy news of pregnancy, especially concerns about oral health, may have come here looking for answers.

Have you been postponing treatment because you are anxious, wondering, "I need dental treatment, but will it affect the baby?" or "I heard you shouldn't go to the dentist during pregnancy. Is that true?"

Today, I’d like to talk in detail about dental treatment during pregnancy to help ease those concerns.

We take responsibility for your dental health.

Changes in the oral environment during pregnancy

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When you become pregnant, many changes occur in the body. The oral environment is no exception. Due to hormonal changes, the gums become more prone to swelling and bleeding, and vomiting from morning sickness can weaken the surface of the teeth. In addition, frequent eating increases the acidity in the mouth, creating an environment where cavities can develop more easily. Gum inflammation, known as pregnancy gingivitis, most commonly appears between the second and eighth month of pregnancy, due to increased female hormones and changes in immunity.

If these oral problems are left untreated, they can go beyond simple discomfort in the mouth and may also affect the fetus. According to research, severe gum disease may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. That is why oral health management during pregnancy is very important, and if necessary, receiving dental treatment at the appropriate time can be beneficial for both mother and baby.

When to Choose Dental Treatment During Pregnancy image 3 When is the best time to receive dental care? Many people think that dental treatment should absolutely not be received during pregnancy, but this is incorrect information. Dental treatment during pregnancy is entirely possible if the timing is chosen well, and in many cases it is even recommended. If pregnancy is broadly divided into three stages, the approach to dental care differs in each stage.

The first trimester, from months 1 to 3, is a very important period in which the fetus’s major organs are formed. During this time, morning sickness is often severe and the risk of miscarriage is relatively higher, so it is better to postpone dental treatment unless it is an emergency. However, if there is severe pain or infection is suspected, delaying treatment may actually be more dangerous, so in such cases you should consult your obstetrician and receive the necessary care.

The second trimester, from months 4 to 6, is the most suitable time for dental treatment. This is because the fetus’s major organ formation is complete and the pregnancy has entered a stable period, while morning sickness also tends to subside significantly. Most general dental treatments, such as scaling, cavity treatment, and gum care, can be done during this period. If you need dental treatment, I recommend receiving it at this time.

In the third trimester, from months 7 to 9, the abdomen becomes much larger, making it difficult to sit or lie down for long periods. In addition, the risk of premature birth must be considered, so only simple procedures or emergency treatment should be performed, and complex treatment is best postponed until after delivery.

When to Choose Dental Treatment During Pregnancy image 4 Treatment methods and precautions The parts of dental treatment that pregnant patients worry about the most are anesthesia and X-ray imaging. First, the local anesthetics used in dentistry 거의 do not pass through the placenta, so their effect on the fetus is very small. In fact, enduring pain without anesthesia can increase stress hormones and may have a worse effect on the fetus. Therefore, when needed, an appropriate amount of local anesthesia can be used.

In the case of X-rays, dental X-rays image the head area, which is far from the abdomen, and the radiation dose is very low. Moreover, wearing a lead protective apron can block radiation from reaching the abdomen. However, if possible, it is better to take X-rays only when truly necessary during the second trimester.

Cavity treatment and root canal treatment are fully possible during the second trimester. In fact, if cavities are left untreated and inflammation becomes severe, bacteria can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, so it is important to receive treatment at the proper time. Scaling is also a good preventive treatment that can be received during pregnancy. Regular scaling is helpful for preventing and managing pregnancy gingivitis.

However, complex surgeries such as implants or wisdom tooth extraction are better postponed until after delivery. This is because such surgeries require a recovery period and may require antibiotics or pain medication.

When to Choose Dental Treatment During Pregnancy image 5 How to care for oral health during pregnancy Just as important as dental treatment during pregnancy is everyday prevention and care. During pregnancy, oral care needs to be even more careful than usual.

First, brush your teeth at least three times a day, thoroughly after meals and before bed. When morning sickness is severe, even brushing can trigger nausea. In that case, using a child-sized or small toothbrush and choosing a toothpaste with less irritation can help. If the smell or taste of toothpaste feels uncomfortable, brushing with water only is also an option.

If you vomit, the mouth becomes acidic, so brushing immediately afterward can actually damage the tooth surface. After vomiting, it is better to rinse your mouth several times with water and then brush your teeth about 30 minutes later. Rinsing your mouth with water mixed with baking soda can help neutralize acidity.

Don't forget to use dental floss or interdental brushes as well. During pregnancy, the gums can easily become swollen and sensitive, so if food gets stuck, inflammation can develop easily. It is important to gently use floss to keep the spaces between teeth clean.

When to Choose Dental Treatment During Pregnancy image 7 Final advice

Pregnancy is one of the most precious and special times in life. During this period, a mother’s health is directly connected to the baby’s health, so oral health should never be neglected.

Do not postpone necessary treatment because of vague fears about dental care during pregnancy. Please receive proper care at the appropriate time. If you inform the dental clinic that you are pregnant and communicate with your obstetrician as well, you can welcome your baby with healthy teeth. I hope you maintain a healthy oral condition through thorough daily brushing and flossing, regular eating habits, and routine checkups.

Dental treatment during pregnancy is fully possible if the timing is chosen well, and months 4 to 6 of pregnancy are the most appropriate time for treatment. Anesthesia and X-rays can also be used when necessary, and receiving proper treatment rather than enduring pain can be beneficial for both mother and baby.

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