Pregnancy & Oral Health
Taking care of your oral health while you are pregnant is extremely important. During pregnancy, changes in hormones can affect your oral health. These changes can lead to an oral health disease called gum disease (periodontal disease).
If you allow gum disease to get worse, tooth loss may occur. Poor pregnancy outcomes associated with periodontal disease are low birth weight, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus.
For a list Medi-Cal Dental providers that see pregnant individuals, click the links below. Some dentists may require a note from your primary doctor to receive dental treatment.
Why is your oral health important?
Gum disease is not the only thing you need to worry about while you are pregnant. You also have to worry about cavities. Did you know that cavities are considered the most common chronic disease in children around the world? Cavities are caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel due to bacteria-created acid. Enamel is the white part of the tooth that protects against cavities. Once the enamel is eaten away by the acid produced by bacteria in the mouth, holes form on the surface of teeth and can be very painful.
If you don’t go to the dentist to take care of the cavities, this could be bad for your health.
Have concerns about visiting the dentist?
Remember, it is safe to visit the dentist while you are pregnant. If you have any concerns about visiting the dentist while you are pregnant, please talk to your dentist. If your dentist refuses to see you because of your condition, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Dental Clinics will see you.
Delaying treatment can be very bad for you and your baby. X-rays are even safe if proper equipment is used and will not harm your unborn baby. Even common medications and anesthetics can be prescribed by doctors or dentists while you are pregnant.
Do you work with pregnant people?
If you are in need of an oral health curriculum for pregnant people, Smile SBC may be able to help. Please email us at info@smilesbc.org for more information.
Medi-Cal covers dental during pregnancy:
Watch this video to learn about the importance of visiting the dentist for a check-up and cleaning while you are pregnant.
Medi-Cal Dental Benefits
The Medi‑Cal Dental Program provides the following free or low-cost services during pregnancy and up to 12 months after your baby is born:
- Dental exams *
- X-rays
- Teeth cleaning *
- Scaling and root planing
- Fluoride varnish *
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Root canals
- Partial and full dentures
- Denture relines
- Tooth removal
- Emergency services
* Every 12 months if over 21 years of age or every 6 months if under 21 years of age
Funded by the California Department of Public Health under contract #22-10191