Should you see a dentist before trying to conceive?

Thinking about getting pregnant and wondering whether a dental visit belongs on your list? It can, especially if you are overdue or something in your mouth has been bothering you. A preconception checkup is a chance to review your teeth and gums, address existing concerns and go into pregnancy with a plan. You do not need perfect teeth to book one. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• How a dental checkup can help you prepare for pregnancy 

• Which symptoms and health details to discuss at your appointment 

• What happens if you become pregnant before dental treatment is finished 

• How to care for your teeth while trying to conceive 

To discuss your oral health before pregnancy, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. 

Why see a dentist before pregnancy? 

Pregnancy hormones can make gums more prone to inflammation. You may notice redness or swelling that was not there before. Changes in eating habits can also increase the risk of cavities during pregnancy.¹ 

A visit before pregnancy gives your dental provider a chance to check your teeth and gums now. The American Dental Association (ADA) encourages people of childbearing age to have regular dental exams.² You can discuss anything that needs care and plan follow-up appointments around your schedule. It is a useful time to ask questions, even if you have no symptoms. 

You may also have heard that gum disease is linked to pregnancy complications. Studies have found associations between periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease, and outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. That does not establish that gum disease causes these outcomes. Treating it supports your oral health but does not guarantee a particular pregnancy outcome.²

What happens at a preconception dental checkup? 

A preconception appointment looks a lot like a standard checkup. Your dental provider examines your teeth and gums, checks existing dental work and discusses any findings with you. Mention symptoms even if they come and go. A tooth that hurts only when you chew is still worth bringing up. 

Tell the team that you are planning a pregnancy. Bring a list of medical conditions, medications and supplements, including anything you take only occasionally. This gives your provider information to review when planning treatment or prescribing a medicine. 

You can also ask practical questions: What needs attention soon? How many visits might it take? What can be monitored? Before leaving, make sure you understand the next step and who to contact if your plans change. 

Which dental problems should you address before pregnancy? 

Your provider can help you prioritize care. Concerns to discuss include: 

• Bleeding or swollen gums. Ask whether you have gingivitis or another gum condition and what care is appropriate. 

• Known cavities. If treatment was recommended at an earlier visit, ask about completing it and what is involved. 

• Damaged fillings or crowns. Point out a rough edge, a loose restoration or a change in how a tooth feels when you bite. 

• Tooth pain or new sensitivity. Explain when it happens, what triggers it and whether it has changed. 

These concerns deserve attention whether or not you are planning a pregnancy. The goal is to understand what is happening and make a manageable care plan. The ADA says dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy,² so a concern that is still open when you become pregnant can still be treated. Your provider can help you decide what to treat first. 

Can dental treatment continue if you become pregnant? 

Yes. Routine dental visits and needed treatment can continue during pregnancy. Fillings, root canals and extractions can be performed when needed; delaying care may make a problem more complicated. Clinically needed dental X-rays and local anesthesia can also be used during pregnancy.²

If you find out you are pregnant between appointments, let your dental provider know before the next visit. Share your due date, any medication changes and any concerns identified by your pregnancy care team. 

Your provider can review the remaining treatment and coordinate with your pregnancy care provider when needed. Ask about the specific procedure, pain-control plan and any prescriptions. This is more useful than assuming everything must stop or that every treatment needs the same approach.² 

How can you protect your teeth while trying to conceive? 

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. It also advises limiting sweets and sugary drinks, and notes that smoking increases your chance of gum disease.³ If you smoke and want help quitting, ask your care team. 

You do not need an elaborate new routine. If cleaning between your teeth is difficult, a floss holder, interdental brush or water flosser may be easier to use, and your provider can recommend one that works for you.³ A simple daily oral care routine still covers the core steps. 

If you have been putting off a visit, contact your local dental provider to book a checkup and discuss your pregnancy plans. 

Should you see a dentist before trying to conceive? FAQs 

Is it safe to have dental treatment while pregnant? 

Yes. The ADA says preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is safe throughout pregnancy, including the use of local anesthesia.² Tell your dental provider you are pregnant before treatment begins so they can plan around your pregnancy care. 

Should I wait until after pregnancy to treat a cavity? 

Not necessarily. The ADA says needed treatment such as fillings, root canals and extractions can be performed during pregnancy, and that delaying care may lead to more complex problems.² Ask your dental provider about timing for your situation. 

What if pregnancy is possible but not confirmed? 

Tell the dental team before treatment begins, even without a positive test. Pregnancy being possible does not automatically mean a needed X-ray must be postponed; dental X-rays are considered safe throughout pregnancy.² Your provider can explain why an image is needed and review the rest of your care with that information in mind. 

Sources 

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Talking to Pregnant Women about Oral Health.” https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html

² American Dental Association, ADA Oral Health Topics: “Pregnancy.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/pregnancy 

³ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Oral Hygiene.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-hygiene