Dental Care During Pregnancy in Markham: What's Safe, What to Avoid

rahimmiah169

2 days ago

7 min read

If you're pregnant and wondering whether it's safe to keep your dental appointments, the short answer is yes and it's actually more important than ever. Pregnancy changes your body in ways that directly affect your mouth, and the good news is that most routine dental care is not only safe during pregnancy but recommended throughout all three trimesters.

At Hwy7 Family Dentistry in Markham, we care for many expecting patients. This guide walks you through what's safe, what to postpone, and what changes you may notice in your mouth while pregnant.

Why Oral Health Matters More During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones particularly estrogen and progesterone cause increased blood flow to the gums. This makes gum tissue more sensitive and more reactive to the bacteria in dental plaque. The result is a very common condition called pregnancy gingivitis, which affects up to 70% of pregnant people in some form.

Signs of Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, puffy, or tender gum tissue
Gums that look swollen even without visible plaque buildup

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis (deeper gum infection). Research has found an association between severe gum disease during pregnancy and adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight, though the relationship is not yet fully understood. What is clear is that good oral hygiene and regular dental visits during pregnancy benefit your own health and that's reason enough.

📌 Quick Fact: The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) recommends that pregnant patients maintain their regular dental check-ups and cleanings throughout pregnancy. Dental care does not need to pause when you're expecting.

What Dental Procedures Are Safe During Pregnancy?

Cleanings and Check-Ups (All Trimesters Safe and Recommended)

Professional cleanings are one of the most important things you can do for your oral health while pregnant. Removing plaque and tartar is safe at any stage of pregnancy and helps manage the heightened inflammatory response in your gums. Your dentist will also check for early signs of pregnancy gingivitis and guide you on keeping your gums healthy at home.

Dental X-Rays (Safe When Necessary, With Shielding)

Dental X-rays during pregnancy are a common concern. The evidence is reassuring: modern digital dental X-rays produce extremely low radiation exposure, far below any level associated with harm. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) confirms that dental radiographs may be taken during pregnancy when clinically necessary. Your dentist will use a lead apron and thyroid collar to shield you, and will take only the images needed.

If you're not due for routine bitewings and there are no symptoms, your dentist may choose to defer X-rays until after delivery as a precaution. But if there is a dental concern an infection, pain, or a suspicious area the X-ray needed to diagnose and treat it is safe to take.

✅ CDA Position: The Canadian Dental Association supports taking dental X-rays during pregnancy when they are clinically necessary. Appropriate shielding is used. Skipping a necessary X-ray to avoid a very small radiation exposure can mean missing a serious dental problem.

Fillings and Restorations (Safe, Especially Second Trimester)

Treating a cavity during pregnancy is the right choice. An untreated cavity can become infected, and a dental infection during pregnancy carries greater risk than the treatment itself. Local anaesthetic (such as lidocaine) used in standard dental care is safe during pregnancy; your dentist uses the minimum amount needed and avoids formulations containing epinephrine where possible, though standard amounts of epinephrine in dental anaesthetic are also considered safe.

The second trimester (weeks 14–27) is generally the most comfortable time for restorative work. Morning sickness has often eased, and you can lie back without the discomfort that third-trimester positioning can bring.

Emergency Dental Treatment (Always Safe)

A dental abscess, cracked tooth, or severe toothache should always be treated promptly, regardless of trimester. The risk of leaving an infection untreated including stress on the body and risk of the infection spreading is far greater than the risk of treatment. If you are in dental pain at any point during pregnancy, call us.

What to Defer Until After Pregnancy

Some treatments can safely wait, and your dentist will help you decide what is urgent versus elective.

Teeth whitening and bleaching no safety data in pregnancy; defer to after delivery and breastfeeding
Veneers, cosmetic bonding, and elective smile enhancements these are not urgent; plan them for after delivery
Routine X-rays (when no symptoms) can often be deferred to a post-pregnancy appointment
Orthodontic adjustments and Invisalign starts some orthodontists prefer to delay beginning new cases during pregnancy; ongoing treatment can usually continue

⚠️ Note: If you were planning cosmetic dental work before you became pregnant, let your dentist know you are expecting. Together you can decide what to move forward with now and what to schedule after delivery.

Trimester-by-Trimester Guide

Trimester	What's Happening	Dental Focus	Practical Tips
First (Weeks 1–13)	Morning sickness; organ development; fatigue	Routine check-up if due; address urgent issues; skip elective work	Book morning appointments to avoid peak nausea; alert your dental team you're pregnant
Second (Weeks 14–27)	Most comfortable trimester; energy returns	Ideal time for cleanings, fillings, necessary restorative work	Best trimester for longer appointments; lie-flat easier; local anaesthetic safe
Third (Weeks 28–40)	Baby is large; lying flat may be uncomfortable	Continue cleanings; treat urgent issues; position carefully	Short appointments; propped at slight angle; avoid lying flat for extended periods

Morning Sickness and Your Teeth: What Most People Miss

Vomiting during pregnancy brings stomach acid into contact with your tooth enamel. Repeated acid exposure softens enamel and, over time, can lead to erosion and sensitivity. The most common mistake is brushing immediately after vomiting when enamel is softened, brushing can cause microscopic damage.

What to Do Instead

After vomiting, rinse your mouth with plain water or a baking soda solution (1 tsp baking soda in a glass of water) to neutralise the acid
Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing
Use a fluoride toothpaste to remineralise and strengthen enamel
Stay well hydrated dry mouth (also common in pregnancy) reduces the saliva that naturally buffers acid
Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva flow and helps neutralise acid between meals

If morning sickness is severe and prolonged, mention it at your next dental visit. Your dentist can apply fluoride varnish and monitor your enamel.

What to Tell Your Dental Team

When you book your appointment at Hwy7 Family Dentistry, let the team know you are pregnant. Share:

How many weeks along you are
Any medications or supplements you are taking (including prenatal vitamins, iron, antacids)
Any complications with your pregnancy that your OB or midwife has flagged
Your OB or midwife's contact details, in case your dentist wants to coordinate care

Your dentist may choose to time certain treatments to your second trimester, position you comfortably, and shorten appointment length to keep you comfortable. Being upfront means getting the most appropriate care for where you are in your pregnancy.

Common Dental Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Tumours (Pyogenic Granulomas)

Some pregnant patients develop a benign, raspberry-like growth on the gums called a pregnancy tumour or pyogenic granuloma. It is not cancerous and usually appears in the second trimester. These growths typically resolve on their own after delivery; if they bleed frequently or interfere with eating, they can be removed, but removal is usually deferred unless necessary.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

Hormonal changes and the increased blood flow to gums can make teeth feel more sensitive especially to hot and cold. Using a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help. Let your dentist know if sensitivity is significant.

Dry Mouth

Some pregnant patients experience reduced saliva flow, which increases the risk of cavities. Stay well hydrated, limit sugary snacks, and maintain your fluoride use.

Dental Care During Pregnancy at Hwy7 Family Dentistry in Markham

Our team at Hwy7 Family Dentistry on Highway 7 in Markham regularly cares for expecting patients and understands the extra considerations that come with pregnancy. We will:

Keep you and your dental team informed about your pregnancy stage
Schedule appointments at times that work with your energy and comfort levels
Use appropriate shielding for any X-rays needed
Prioritise urgent and preventive care and defer elective treatments to after delivery
Coordinate with your OB or midwife when needed

If you have concerns about dental anxiety during your visit, our team is experienced with nervous patients you can read more about how we support anxious patients in Markham.

New to Canada and wondering about your dental coverage during pregnancy? Visit our guide to dental coverage options for newcomers in Markham, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

FAQ

FAQ

Q1: Is it safe to go to the dentist while pregnant?

Yes. Dental care during pregnancy is safe and recommended by the Ontario Dental Association (ODA). Routine cleanings, check-ups, and necessary restorations can be carried out throughout all three trimesters. Delaying dental care during pregnancy can allow problems such as cavities and gum disease to worsen. Always let your dental team know you are pregnant and how far along you are so they can tailor your appointment accordingly.

Q2: Can you get dental X-rays while pregnant?

Dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy when they are clinically necessary. The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports their use during pregnancy. Modern digital X-rays produce very low radiation exposure, and your dentist will use a lead apron and thyroid collar as a precaution. If there is no clinical reason for X-rays at your visit, your dentist may choose to defer them until after delivery but they will never avoid a necessary X-ray because of pregnancy.

Q3: What is pregnancy gingivitis and how do I prevent it?

Pregnancy gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by the hormonal changes of pregnancy, which make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque bacteria. Signs include bleeding, swelling, and redness of the gums. It affects up to 70% of pregnant people to some degree. Prevention and management: brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush, floss daily, maintain your dental cleaning schedule throughout pregnancy, and tell your dentist about any gum changes you notice.

Q4: Which trimester is best for dental work?

The second trimester (weeks 14–27) is generally the most comfortable for dental treatment. Morning sickness has usually passed, and the baby's major organ development is complete, which eases concerns about medication exposure. Lying back in the dental chair is also more comfortable before the third trimester. That said, urgent dental problems should be addressed at any point in pregnancy never delay treatment for an infection or severe pain.

Q5: How do I protect my teeth from morning sickness?

Morning sickness brings stomach acid into your mouth, which can soften tooth enamel. The key: do not brush immediately after vomiting. Instead, rinse with water or a baking soda solution (1 tsp baking soda in water), wait 30 minutes, then brush. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help remineralise enamel. Stay hydrated, and mention prolonged morning sickness to your dentist they may apply fluoride varnish to protect vulnerable teeth.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy is not a reason to put your dental health on hold it's a reason to pay closer attention to it. Regular cleanings are safe and recommended. Necessary restorations and X-rays can be done safely, with appropriate care. And the habits you build during pregnancy consistent brushing, flossing, and staying on top of professional cleanings will benefit both you and your growing family.

If you're pregnant and due for a dental visit in Markham, book at Hwy7 Family Dentistry. We'll make sure your appointment is comfortable, safe, and tailored to where you are in your pregnancy.