Some pregnant women avoid dental care because they believe that dental treatment can harm their unborn child. Dentists have advocated the safety and benefits of prenatal dental care for many years, and now a large study conducted by the California Dental Association has reaffirmed the safety and importance of dental care during pregnancy. Some of the most important recommendations for pregnant women and their dentists are as follows:

• Ask the woman if she has any concerns/fears about getting dental care while pregnant.
• Based on her response, be ready to assure her that dental care is safe during pregnancy and address specific concerns.
• Advise the pregnant woman that prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including needed dental X-rays and use of local anesthesia with epinephrine, are highly beneficial and can be undertaken with no additional fetal or maternal risk when compared to not providing care.
• Pregnancy is not a reason to delay routine dental care or treatment of oral health problems.
• Dentists can provide emergency/acute care at any time during pregnancy as indicated by oral condition.

• Recommend brushing teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste along with fluoride mouth rinses, especially before bedtime, and flossing daily.
• Fill untreated caries.
• Encourage drinking optimally fluoridated tap or bottled water.
• Pain killers, preferably acetaminophen, not to exceed daily dosages.
• Antibiotics including penicillin, cephalosporins and erythromycins can be used. Avoid using erythromycin estolate and tetracycline.

• Place pregnant women in a semi-reclining position as tolerated, encourage frequent position changes, and/or place a small pillow under her hip to prevent postural hypotensive syndrome.
• Advise and encourage the woman to obtain necessary follow-up dental care and oral health maintenance during the postpartum period and thereafter.
• Provide dental care for other family members to prevent transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to her infant or other children.