Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it also brings up a lot of questions about health and safety. One of the most common concerns we hear at Nest Dental is: “Can you go to the dentist when pregnant?”
The short answer is yes. In fact, regular dental visits are not only safe, they’re important for both your oral health and your overall health during pregnancy.
A recent cover story in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) found that pregnant women who received preventive dental care, or saw a dentist when problems arose, were less likely to develop gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.¹
This reinforces something we’ve always believed at Nest: caring for your smile means caring for your whole body.
In this post, our Vancouver dentists will cover everything you need to know about going to the dentist when pregnant.
Oral Health and Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your gums and teeth. This means conditions like pregnancy gingivitis (i.e., red, swollen, or bleeding gums) are common.
Left untreated, gum inflammation can progress into more severe gum disease, called periodontitis. Research, including a study in the Journal of Dental Research, has linked gum disease during pregnancy to complications like pre-term delivery and low birth weight.²
Other common concerns include:
- Sensitive teeth while pregnant: Increased teeth sensitivity can be caused by hormonal shifts and enamel erosion, which is particularly common in those with morning sickness.
- Morning sickness: Excessive vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid. This can damage enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
- Dental trauma: Dental trauma, such as sustaining a cracked or chipped tooth while pregnant, should be addressed quickly to prevent infection.
The good news? Preventive care helps keep these issues under control and lowers the risks to your overall health.
Dental Treatments During Pregnancy
Many people wonder whether it’s safe to have dental procedures or if they should wait until after delivery. Based on research (and our experience), here are answers to common questions we get from pregnant dental patients at Nest:
Can you have an exam and teeth cleaning while pregnant?
Yes! Having a dental exam and teeth cleaning while pregnant is safe in any trimester. In fact, the Canadian Dental Association recommends scheduling a checkup in the first trimester. Just be sure to tell the dentist that you’re pregnant.
Can you get a cavity filled while pregnant?
Yes, you can get a cavity filled while pregnant. Ideally, according to Canadian Dental Association guidelines, you’d schedule dental work like fillings in the second trimester when morning sickness has abated, but you’re still comfortable lying back in the dental chair.
However, if the cavity is causing you pain or you’re at risk for infection, you can get it treated at any time during pregnancy.
Is scaling and root planing safe during pregnancy?
Coronal scaling, polishing, and root planing are considered safe at any time during pregnancy to maintain oral health.³
Can you get an extraction or root canal while pregnant?
Because the immune system is suppressed in pregnant people, tooth infections can spread rapidly.³ Tooth extractions and root canals (technically known as endodontic treatment) are considered safe during pregnancy, and the benefits of controlling the infection outweigh the risks.⁴
Can you get a dental x-ray if pregnant?
Dental x-rays should be minimized during pregnancy, except in the case of an emergency. If you’re coming in for an exam and cleaning and don’t have any issues, we’d skip the x-rays until after delivery.
If you have an urgent problem that requires treatment, such as a cavity or tooth infection, then dental x-rays would be necessary. X-rays can be safely taken during pregnancy using low-dose digital machines or high-speed film, along with protective shielding.³
What about teeth whitening while pregnant?
You should hold off on cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening while pregnant. Anything elective is best postponed until the baby has arrived.
At Nest, we always tailor your care plan with your pregnancy in mind. If you’re experiencing discomfort, infection, or pain, treatment shouldn’t wait. It’s safer to address the problem promptly.
Why Oral Health Matters for Pregnant People
The JADA study analyzed over 200,000 women and found that those who skipped preventive dental care were more likely to develop gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy.¹ Women who needed but delayed treatment for dental problems also had a higher risk of complications.
Unfortunately, people with significant cavity-causing bacteria during and after pregnancy can even transmit the bacteria to their baby. One study found that children of mothers with high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss were three times more likely to have cavities in childhood.⁵
The takeaway: maintaining oral health for pregnant women isn’t just about preventing cavities; it’s a crucial part of supporting a healthy pregnancy and may even reduce the risk of tooth decay in babies.
How Nest Dental Keeps You Safe
At Nest Dental, your safety is always our top priority. When you visit our dentists during pregnancy, you can expect:
- Private, enclosed treatment rooms for comfort and peace of mind.
- Medical-grade HEPA filters and surgically clean air throughout our studio.
- Modern technology, including radiation-free digital health scans with our iTero Element scanner, to catch issues sooner and reduce the need for invasive treatments.
- Gentle, personalized care from a team that’s experienced in treating pregnant patients.
We’ll collaborate with your healthcare providers if needed, and we’ll always explain your options clearly so you feel confident and comfortable at every visit.
Tips for Oral Health During Pregnancy
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- If you suffer from morning sickness, wait a minimum of 30 minutes after vomiting to brush your teeth, as it can damage enamel. Instead, rinse with water or fluoride mouthwash.
- Choose healthy snacks to support both your oral and overall health.
- Let your dentist know you’re pregnant so they can adjust your treatment plan.
Going to the Dentist When Pregnant: The Bottom Line
So, can you go to the dentist while pregnant? Absolutely. In fact, you should. Regular dental visits, preventive care, and timely treatment are safe during pregnancy and can reduce your risk of health complications.
Book a Dental Checkup With a Vancouver Dentist
At Nest Dental in Vancouver, we’re here to support you through every stage of life, including pregnancy, with gentle, science-backed care. We make prioritizing your oral health cozy and safe for both you and your growing baby.
Book a dental checkup today!
Sources:
- Sasaki N, Pang J, Surdu S, Shirey S, Fernando T, Moore J. Use of oral health services among pregnant women and associations with gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: Insights from the 2016-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. J Am Dent Assoc. 2025 Mar;156(3):185-197.e2. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2024.11.013. Epub 2025 Jan 31. PMID: 39891653.
- López NJ, Smith PC, Gutierrez J. Higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in women with periodontal disease. J Dent Res. 2002. Jan;81(1):58-63. doi: 10.1177/002203450208100113. PMID: 11820369.
- Giglio JA, Lanni SM, Laskin DM, Giglio NW. Oral health care for the pregnant patient. J Can Dent Assoc. 2009 Feb;75(1):43-8. PMID: 19239743.
- Kuzekanani M. Latest Concepts in Endodontic Management of Pregnant Patients. Int J Dent. 2023 Sep 26;2023:9714515. doi: 10.1155/2023/9714515. PMID: 37899798; PMCID: PMC10611540.
- Dye BA, Vargas CM, Lee JJ, Magder L, Tinanoff N. Assessing the relationship between children’s oral health status and that of their mothers. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011 Feb;142(2):173-83. doi: 10.14219/jada.archive.2011.0061. PMID: 21282684.
