Pregnancy is an exciting time – but it can also bring a long list of questions, especially when it comes to your health. One area that’s often overlooked is dental care in pregnancy, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what’s safe, what’s changed, and what can wait.
At The Briars Dental Centre, we’re often asked similar questions by expectant mums. Below, we’ve answered the most common ones in a calm, reassuring way – because every pregnancy is different, and your comfort and confidence matter.
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
While tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment, it’s generally recommended to wait until after pregnancy before whitening your teeth. This isn’t because whitening is known to be harmful, but because there simply isn’t enough research to confirm its safety during pregnancy.
The good news?
✨ Professional cleaning and hygiene visits are absolutely safe and can still leave your smile feeling fresher and brighter
✨ Whitening can be safely revisited once your pregnancy (and breastfeeding, if applicable) is complete
Our approach to dental care in pregnancy is always guided by caution, reassurance, and your individual needs.
Bleeding gums are incredibly common during pregnancy and are usually linked to hormonal changes.
Pregnancy hormones can make gums:
More sensitive
More reactive to plaque
More prone to inflammation (often called pregnancy gingivitis)
This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong – but it does mean your gums may need a little extra care.
Regular brushing, interdental cleaning, and professional hygiene support play an important role in maintaining healthy gums during pregnancy.
Yes – and it’s something we talk about often when discussing dental care in pregnancy.
Stomach acid can soften tooth enamel, increasing the risk of sensitivity and wear. If you’ve experienced vomiting:
Avoid brushing straight away (wait around 30–60 minutes)
Rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash instead
Use a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel
Small changes like this can make a big difference in protecting your teeth.
Absolutely. Routine dental care in pregnancy is safe and encouraged.
In fact, pregnancy is an ideal time to:
Attend check-ups
Maintain hygiene visits
Address any discomfort early
Let your dental team know you’re pregnant so appointments can be tailored for your comfort, including chair positioning and treatment planning.
Dental X-rays are generally avoided unless absolutely necessary. However, modern dental X-rays use very low radiation levels, and protective measures are always taken.
If an X-ray is needed to diagnose pain or infection, your dentist will carefully assess the benefits and risks with you first. Your wellbeing – and your baby’s – always comes first.
Many dental treatments can be carried out safely during pregnancy, especially if they’re needed to relieve pain or infection.
Delaying treatment isn’t always the best option, and your dentist will:
Focus on essential care
Plan treatment around your stage of pregnancy
Keep everything as gentle and stress-free as possible
Personalised dental care in pregnancy is key – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
A few simple steps can help protect your smile:
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Clean between your teeth daily
Attend regular dental and hygiene visits
Maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks
These small habits support both oral health and overall wellbeing throughout pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant and haven’t seen a dentist recently, it’s a great time to book a check-up. Preventive dental care in pregnancy helps keep small issues from becoming bigger concerns later on.
At The Briars, our friendly team takes a calm, supportive approach, ensuring every expectant mum feels comfortable, informed, and cared for. For help or advice, get in touch with our friendly team using the contact form, or call us on 01635 40311.
For more advice about dental care in pregnancy, check out these recommended websites:
Oral Health Foundation
NHS Pregnancy Guidance
