Originally published March 22, 2017. Updated September 23, 2026.
Pregnancy changes many things, and your mouth is one of them. Rising hormone levels make gums more sensitive to plaque, and morning sickness can expose teeth to stomach acid. The CDC reports that about 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women develop gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. The reassuring news is that dental care is safe during pregnancy and helps protect both you and your baby. This guide explains the common oral health changes in pregnancy, how to manage them, and what dental care is safe.
Is dental care safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy, that X-rays are safe at any stage, and that local anesthetics can be used safely. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agrees, and the CDC says regular and emergency dental care is safe at any stage of pregnancy. The ADA and ACOG both note that delaying needed treatment can lead to more complex problems, and that emergency treatments such as extractions and root canals can be performed safely during pregnancy. Tell your dental team that you are pregnant, and share your due date and any medications.
What is pregnancy gingivitis?
Hormonal changes, particularly increases in estrogen and progesterone, can exaggerate the way gum tissue reacts to bacteria. Cleveland Clinic describes pregnancy gingivitis as sore or swollen gums that may bleed when you brush and floss, affecting 60 to 75 percent of pregnancies in the United States. It usually improves after delivery, and good oral hygiene and professional cleanings help manage it. A non-cancerous gum growth called a pregnancy tumor can also appear; if you notice one, see your dentist soon after delivery. Read our full guide to bleeding gums.
How does morning sickness affect your teeth?
Stomach acid from vomiting can erode tooth enamel. The ADA advises against brushing immediately afterward, because acid softens enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with a diluted baking soda solution, one teaspoon in a cup of water, to neutralize the acid, and brush later. For more on how acid affects enamel, see our post on tooth sensitivity.
How can you protect your teeth and gums during pregnancy?
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, as the ADA recommends.
- Clean between your teeth daily. See our guide to how to floss correctly.
- Keep your dental visits. A cleaning and exam early in pregnancy can catch problems before they grow. Our preventive dentistry team welcomes expecting patients.
- Rinse after vomiting instead of brushing right away.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit frequent sugary snacks.
- Treat gum disease if it develops. The ADA says scaling and root planing is safe during pregnancy, and our periodontal care can help.
Does gum disease affect pregnancy outcomes?
The ADA reports associations between periodontitis and preterm birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. It also notes that treating gum disease during pregnancy has not been associated with any adverse maternal or birth outcomes, so there is no reason to postpone care. CDC guidance similarly says oral health is an important part of prenatal care.
How does your oral health affect your baby?
Cavity-causing bacteria can pass from parent to child, for example through shared spoons. ACOG notes that good maternal oral hygiene around the time of pregnancy may reduce how much of these bacteria is transmitted, and the CDC says a mother’s oral health is a strong predictor of her child’s. Once your baby arrives, see our guides to teething and baby teeth and plan a first dental visit by their first birthday.
Frequently asked questions about pregnancy and oral health
Is it safe to go to the dentist while pregnant?
Yes. The American Dental Association states that preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy, and the CDC says regular and emergency dental care is safe at any stage of pregnancy.
Are dental X-rays and numbing medication safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both say dental X-rays and local anesthesia can be used safely at any point in pregnancy when needed.
What is pregnancy gingivitis?
It is gum inflammation caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Gums may look red and swollen and bleed when you brush or floss. It affects a majority of pregnant women, and good home care and dental cleanings help control it.
Should I brush right after morning sickness?
No. Stomach acid softens enamel, so the American Dental Association advises rinsing with a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water first, then brushing later.
Can gum disease affect my pregnancy?
Research has found associations between gum disease and preterm birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. The American Dental Association notes that treating gum disease during pregnancy has not been associated with any adverse maternal or birth outcomes, which is one more reason not to delay care.
Expecting? Schedule a prenatal dental visit
A checkup and cleaning during pregnancy protect your health and your baby’s. We can tailor your visit to your trimester and comfort.
- Parham Road: 2314 E Parham Rd, Henrico, VA 23228, (804) 261-1970
- Brook Road: 9007 Brook Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060, (804) 372-4420
First time with us? Visit our new patient page or contact us to get started.
Quick takeaways
- Dental care, X-rays, and local anesthesia are safe during pregnancy when needed.
- Hormones make gums more prone to gingivitis. About 60 to 75 percent of pregnant women are affected.
- After morning sickness, rinse with baking soda and water instead of brushing right away.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and keep dental visits.
- Treating gum disease during pregnancy is safe and is not linked to adverse outcomes.
- Good oral health helps protect your baby from cavity-causing bacteria.
Sources
- American Dental Association. Pregnancy. ADA Oral Health Topics.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 569: Oral Health Care During Pregnancy and Through the Lifespan.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pregnancy and Oral Health Facts.
- Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy Gingivitis: Bleeding Gums, Treatment & Prevention.
