Dental Care During Pregnancy: A Radiant Smile for Two

a pregnant woman visits with the dentist in the dental office
A pregnant woman visits with the dentist in Boston, MA

Congratulations! Pregnancy is one of the most exciting, transformative, and whirlwind journeys a person can experience. As you prepare for your new arrival, navigating everything from nursery colors to prenatal vitamins, it is easy to let your own routine healthcare slip to the bottom of the to-do list. However, there is one aspect of your health that deserves a front-row seat during these nine months: your dental health.

At Dental Partners of Boston (dpb), we believe that caring for your smile is a vital part of caring for your baby. There is a profound connection between oral health and systemic health, and during pregnancy, your mouth undergoes significant changes due to hormonal shifts.

To help you navigate this time with confidence, we’ve compiled the most common questions our expectant patients ask. From the safety of X-rays to the “old wives’ tales” about cavities, here is everything you need to know about maintaining a healthy smile for two.

Is it safe to visit the dentist while pregnant?

The short answer is: Yes, absolutely. In fact, it is highly recommended. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both encourage women to seek dental care during pregnancy.

Preventive cleanings and annual exams are not only safe but essential. Hormonal changes can increase your risk of “pregnancy gingivitis” (inflamed, bleeding gums). If left untreated, oral infections can potentially impact your overall health and, in some cases, have been linked to preterm birth or low birth weight.

Can I get dental X-rays while pregnant?

pregnant woman is shown her digital dental X-rays by a female dentist
A dentist showing a pregnant patient the digital X-rays of her teeth.

This is perhaps the most common concern we hear. You can rest easy: Dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy. Most pregnant patients are surprised to learn just how minimal the radiation exposure actually is.

At Dental Partners of Boston, we use modern digital radiography, which reduces radiation by as much as 80% to 90% compared to the traditional film X-rays used decades ago. We also take every precaution, including the use of leaded aprons and thyroid collars, to protect both you and your developing baby.

To put the safety of a digital dental X-ray into perspective, it helps to compare it to the radiation we encounter in everyday life. Radiation is measured in units called microsieverts (µSv).

Here is how a standard set of digital dental X-rays (4 bitewings) compares to common daily activities:

The Comparison Scale

Activity / SourceEstimated Radiation Exposure
Digital Dental X-rays (4 Bitewings)5 µSv
Eating one banana0.1 µSv
Natural background radiation (average daily dose)10 µSv
A 5-hour airplane flight (e.g., Boston to LA)40 µSv
One Chest X-ray100 µSv
Living in a brick or stone house for one year70 µSv
A mammogram400 µSv

Understanding the Numbers

  1. Lower than a day of living: A set of digital dental bitewings (5 µSv) exposes you to less radiation than you naturally absorb from the sun and the earth during a single normal day (10 µSv).
  2. The “Banana Equivalent”: Bananas naturally contain Potassium-40, a radioactive isotope. Eating about 50 bananas would give you the same radiation exposure as one set of digital dental X-rays.
  3. High-Altitude Travel: Flying in an airplane exposes you to more cosmic radiation because the atmosphere is thinner. A single cross-country flight from Boston to Los Angeles exposes you to roughly eight times more radiation than a set of dental X-rays.
  4. Medical vs. Dental: A standard medical chest X-ray is about 20 times more powerful than a dental X-ray, yet even chest X-rays are considered very low risk by medical professionals.

Why We Still Use Protective Gear

If the radiation is so low, why do we put a lead apron on you? At Dental Partners of Boston, we follow the ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable.

Even though the dose is incredibly small, we take every precaution to ensure you (and your baby, if you are pregnant) receive zero unnecessary exposure. By using a leaded apron and a thyroid collar, the radiation reaching the rest of your body is virtually non-existent.

The Risk of Refusal

The “risk” of a 5 µSv X-ray is statistically negligible. However, the risk of an undetected dental infection is high. An abscess or advanced gum disease can lead to systemic inflammation, severe pain, and, in pregnant patients, complications like preterm labor.

By taking that quick, low-dose digital image, we can catch problems while they are small and easy to treat, ensuring your total body health remains on track.

Are women’s teeth more prone to cavities during and after pregnancy?

You may have heard the old adage, “Gain a child, lose a tooth.” Thankfully, this is a myth! Your baby does not “steal” calcium from your teeth. However, it is true that women are at a higher risk for cavities during pregnancy for a few reasons:

  1. Increased Acidity: If you suffer from morning sickness, your tooth enamel is frequently exposed to stomach acid, which can erode the protective layer of your teeth.
  2. Dietary Changes: Cravings for sugary or starchy snacks, combined with “grazing” throughout the day, provide more fuel for cavity-causing bacteria.
  3. Gingivitis: Hormones make your gums more sensitive to plaque, leading to inflammation. When gums are swollen, it’s easier for food particles and bacteria to get trapped near the tooth roots.

Should I brush more often when I’m pregnant?

While you don’t necessarily need to brush more than the recommended twice a day, you do need to be more intentional about your routine.

If you suffer from morning sickness, your instinct might be to brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. Don’t. Brushing immediately can actually scrub the stomach acid deeper into your softened enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a mixture of water and baking soda to neutralize the acid. Wait about 30 minutes before brushing.

What are the “Dos and Don’ts” of dental health during pregnancy?

DO:

  • Tell us you’re pregnant. Let us know how far along you are and if your OB-GYN has given you any specific medical advice.
  • Keep your cleaning appointments. The second trimester is often the ideal time for dental work, as morning sickness has usually subsided and you aren’t yet too uncomfortable to lie back in the chair.
  • Floss daily. With your gums being more sensitive, flossing is your best defense against pregnancy gingivitis.

DON’T:

  • Skip the dentist because you’re busy. Small problems can become big (and painful) problems very quickly during pregnancy.
  • Ignore bleeding gums. While common, “pink in the sink” is a sign that your mouth needs extra professional attention.
  • Whiten your teeth. We recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to undergo professional or at-home whitening treatments.

Are there natural ways to strengthen my teeth while pregnant?

The best “natural” way to protect your teeth is through nutrition. Your body is working overtime, and your teeth need support from the inside out.

  • Calcium and Phosphorus: These minerals are the building blocks of your baby’s teeth (which begin developing between the third and sixth months) and help maintain your own bone density. Incorporate yogurt, cheese, almonds, and leafy greens.
  • Vitamin D: This helps your body absorb calcium. Spend a little time in the Boston sun (safely!) or talk to your doctor about a supplement.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water is the simplest way to wash away food particles and keep your saliva production high, which naturally protects against cavities.

What should I look out for post-pregnancy?

Once the baby arrives, “mommy brain” and exhaustion are real. It is easy to forget to floss when you’re surviving on four hours of sleep! However, continue to monitor your gums. Some women develop “pregnancy tumors”—non-cancerous, red growths on the gums that usually disappear after birth. If they persist or cause discomfort, our specialists at DPB can easily help.

Also, remember that bacteria can be passed from mother to child. By keeping your mouth healthy, you are actually reducing the number of cavity-causing bacteria you might pass to your baby via spoons or kisses!

Why Choose Dental Partners of Boston?

Dental Partners of Boston team of dentists

Navigating healthcare during pregnancy requires a team you can trust. At Dental Partners of Boston, we offer a unique, collaborative approach to your care. Because we have dental professionals from every specialty, including general dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery, all under one roof, you never have to worry about being referred out to a stranger.

We are proud to share that our doctors have been recognized as Top Dentists in Boston Magazine every year since 2017. This accolade reflects our commitment to clinical excellence and the warm, patient-centered environment we provide.

Whether you are in the heart of the city or near the water, we have a convenient location ready to welcome you:

Schedule Your Visit Today

Your health and your baby’s health are worth the investment of an hour in the dental chair. Let us help you keep your smile bright, healthy, and pain-free during this special time.

Schedule your appointment at Dental Partners of Boston today! For a routine cleaning or if you have concerns about your oral health, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We can’t wait to see you, and eventually, to see those first baby photos!

Related Posts