Dental cleanings are not only safe but highly recommended for expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. Avoiding routine dental care due to concerns about safety can actually pose a risk to both the mother and the developing baby. Maintaining good oral health is an important part of overall prenatal care, and preventive dental visits are necessary to manage the unique changes that occur during gestation.
The Safest Time for Routine Care
The second trimester (weeks 13 through 27) is generally considered the most favorable period for scheduling routine dental cleanings and other non-emergency procedures. By this time, the critical organ development phase of the first trimester has passed, reducing concerns about external interference. The second trimester also typically avoids the physical discomforts that become more pronounced later in the pregnancy.
The third trimester often brings increased difficulty with prolonged supine positioning due to the size of the uterus. Lying flat on the back can compress the inferior vena cava, a major vein that returns blood to the heart, potentially causing a drop in blood pressure known as supine hypotensive syndrome. To prevent this, the dental chair can be tilted or a wedge placed under the right hip to shift the uterus slightly. A cleaning can be performed at any time, but these modifications ensure the mother’s comfort and proper circulation.
Addressing Common Safety Concerns
Many expectant mothers express concern about the safety of diagnostic tools and medications commonly used during a dental visit. Dental X-rays use extremely low doses of radiation, which is highly localized to the mouth and jaw area. The fetal exposure from a dental X-ray is significantly less than the daily natural background radiation a person receives.
To provide reassurance, standard practice involves using a lead apron and often a thyroid collar to shield the abdomen and neck area from scattered radiation. The American Dental Association confirms that X-rays are safe with these precautions, and they should only be postponed if they are purely elective. Local anesthetics, like lidocaine, are also considered safe for use in dentistry during pregnancy. Lidocaine is classified by the FDA as a Category B drug, meaning animal studies have shown no risk to the fetus.
Why Dental Cleanings Are Essential During Pregnancy
Pregnancy introduces significant hormonal fluctuations, specifically increased levels of progesterone and estrogen, which make the gums more susceptible to inflammation. This heightened sensitivity often leads to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. Pregnancy gingivitis is quite common, affecting between 60% and 75% of pregnant women.
If gingivitis is left untreated and progresses, it can develop into periodontal disease, a more severe infection affecting the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Studies suggest a possible connection between advanced maternal periodontal disease and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. The theory is that the inflammation and bacteria from the gums can enter the bloodstream and trigger an inflammatory response that affects the developing fetus.
Maintaining a clean and healthy mouth through professional cleanings and diligent home care is a preventative measure against this systemic inflammatory response. Furthermore, a mother with poor oral health has higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria, which can be transmitted to the infant after birth. By controlling the bacterial load in the mother’s mouth, the risk of early childhood caries in the baby can be reduced.