HealthLink BC File #38b, February 2011

Pregnancy and Dental Health





Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy affects the development and dental health of your baby. Your baby's mouth and teeth begin to form during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Taking care of your dental health

Reasons for taking care of your dental health during pregnancy include the following:

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you can take these steps:

Professional dental care

See your dentist regularly during your pregnancy. If you have healthy teeth, you will have less tooth decay or bacteria and lower the risk of passing the bacteria to your baby.

Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are safe at any time during pregnancy. Tell your dentist or dental hygienist that you are pregnant.

Any pain, swelling or infection in your mouth should be treated immediately. This can affect your health and your baby's health.

Are x-rays, local anesthetics and medications safe?

To prevent or reduce radiation exposure, postpone routine dental x-rays until after your baby is born. If x-rays are required, the lead apron used at the dental office will shield you and your baby.

Some medications may not be safe to use during pregnancy. If you need emergency dental care, certain drugs may be required. Check with your pharmacist, dentist and/or health care provider to see whether a medication is safe during pregnancy.

For More Information

For more information on pregnancy and dental health, please contact your dentist, your dental hygienist, or the dental program at your local public health unit.


For more HealthLinkBC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/ or your local public health unit.

Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C.

For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C.

Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request.


Complete List of HealthLink BC File Topics