Keep Dental Care on the Pregnancy Calendar
Tell the dental team you are pregnant, discuss timing and medicines, and ask for help when nausea or bleeding gums make daily care difficult.
Tell the team early
Pregnancy belongs in the dental history, including your stage of pregnancy, medicines and any medical concerns. Public Health Agency of Canada guidance encourages an early oral-health check. Ask the dentist how necessary care and appointment timing should fit your situation.[1]
Do not quietly cancel a visit because you assume all dental care must wait. Call and describe the planned treatment or current symptom. The team can discuss what is needed and coordinate with your prenatal clinician when appropriate.
Make daily care manageable
If vomiting occurs, the public-health guidance advises rinsing with water and waiting at least thirty minutes before brushing. Tell the dentist if nausea, gagging or gum tenderness is making brushing difficult so the routine can be adjusted.[1]
Ask about a comfortable position and breaks during the visit. Before taking a new medicine for dental pain, check with an appropriate clinician or pharmacist who knows you are pregnant. Promptly report tooth pain or swelling; the pregnancy calendar should not become a reason to leave a new problem unassessed.