Recently, a patient in her eighth month of pregnancy visited our clinic with heavy bleeding from the gums and severe pain on the upper right side of her mouth. Examination revealed generalized pregnancy-related gingivitis along with an infected upper wisdom tooth.
This situation is stressful for both the patient and the dentist. During the last trimester, patients are often uncomfortable lying back for long dental procedures, and although emergency dental treatment can be performed when necessary, elective procedures are generally best completed before pregnancy whenever possible.
Why does this happen?
Pregnancy hormones increase the gums’ response to dental plaque. As a result, many women experience:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Pregnancy gingivitis
- Increased discomfort around partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene because of nausea or vomiting
If cavities, broken teeth or infected wisdom teeth already exist before pregnancy, they can become much more painful during pregnancy.
Why a dental check-up before pregnancy is important
Before planning pregnancy, every woman should ideally have:
- Complete dental examination
- Professional cleaning and scaling
- Treatment of cavities
- Removal of infected or problematic wisdom teeth if indicated
- Treatment of gum disease
- Replacement of leaking fillings
- Dental X-rays if required before conception
Completing these treatments beforehand greatly reduces the chance of dental emergencies during pregnancy.
Can dental treatment be done during pregnancy?
Yes. Modern guidelines state that necessary dental care, including emergency treatment, can be safely provided during pregnancy. However, preventing emergencies by having a dental examination before conception is always the better approach.
Our advice
If you are planning pregnancy, schedule a dental check-up first. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthier pregnancy and helps avoid unnecessary pain, infection and emergency dental visits.
At Dr. Lilly’s Dentistry, Dr. Mukesh Kumar and Dr. Lilly Singh provide comprehensive dental examinations, preventive care and treatment planning for women preparing for pregnancy in Vasant Kunj, South Delhi.
FAQs
1. Should I visit a dentist before planning pregnancy?
Yes. It is one of the best ways to identify and treat dental problems before hormonal changes make them worse.
2. Why do gums bleed during pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones increase the gums’ inflammatory response to plaque, causing pregnancy gingivitis.
3. Can wisdom tooth pain become worse during pregnancy?
Yes. Existing infections or partially erupted wisdom teeth may flare up during pregnancy.
4. Is scaling safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Professional cleaning and periodontal treatment are considered safe when clinically indicated.
5. Should infected wisdom teeth be removed before pregnancy?
If your dentist advises extraction because of repeated infection or other problems, it is often preferable to complete treatment before pregnancy rather than risk an emergency later.
6. How often should pregnant women have a dental check-up?
Regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene are recommended before, during and after pregnancy.