Dental Care Safe During Pregnancy

Women who are 13 to 21 weeks pregnant can safely have essential dental treatment—including topical and local anesthetics, a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association says. In the Obstetrics and Periodontal Therapy Trial, pregnant women had scaling, root planing (deep cleaning), and “essential dental treatment” for moderate to severe cavities or broken or abscessed teeth. The study of 823 women found that treatment did not increase the risk for adverse outcomes. Still, experts suggest pregnant women defer elective dental care during the first eight weeks of pregnancy and during late pregnancy.^1,2

¹ “Examining the Safety of Dental Treatment in Pregnant Women.” B.S. Michalowicz et al. Journal of the American Dental Association. June 2008, vol. 139, no. 6, pp. 685–95.

² “Essential Dental Treatment Safe for Pregnant Women, Says New Study in ADA Journal.” American Dental Association. June 10, 2008. www.ada.org/3320.aspx Accessed 2010.