When you’re expecting a baby, every health decision feels extra important. From the food you eat to the activities you do, you want to make sure everything is safe for both you and your little one. So, what happens if you need a dental X-ray during pregnancy?
At Pediatric Dental Specialists in Leawood, KS, we understand that many moms-to-be have concerns about dental care while pregnant, especially when it comes to X-rays. Our goal is to give you clear, reassuring information so you can feel confident about protecting both your smile and your growing baby.
Pregnancy can affect your dental health in ways you might not expect. Hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to bleed, a condition sometimes called pregnancy gingivitis. You may also be at higher risk for tooth decay due to changes in eating habits or morning sickness.
That’s why regular dental checkups are so important — they keep your mouth healthy, which is good for both you and your baby.
Dental X-rays help your dentist see things that aren’t visible during a regular checkup, like cavities between teeth, bone health, or infections at the root of a tooth. Without X-rays, some problems could be missed until they become more serious.
In some cases, X-rays are part of a routine checkup. In others, they’re taken when there’s a specific concern, such as tooth pain or an injury.
The good news is that modern dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation, and when proper precautions are taken, they are considered safe during pregnancy.
If X-rays are needed, your dental team will:
These safety steps greatly reduce any exposure to your baby.
Sometimes, dental issues need immediate attention — for example:
Delaying treatment could allow the problem to get worse, which can be risky for both mom and baby. In these situations, your dentist may recommend taking an X-ray right away to diagnose and treat the problem quickly.
If you don’t have any urgent dental concerns, your dentist may choose to postpone routine X-rays until after your pregnancy. This is often possible if your mouth is healthy and you’ve had recent X-rays showing everything is in good shape.
Whether or not you need X-rays, there are steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy:
Your baby’s teeth actually start forming before birth, around the sixth week of pregnancy. That means your nutrition, dental health, and overall well-being can play a role in your baby’s developing smile.
By keeping your mouth healthy, you’re also helping your baby have a strong start to their own dental future.
At Pediatric Dental Specialists, we care for growing smiles every day, but we also know that parents’ health matters, too. If you’re pregnant, we’ll:
We want every visit to feel safe, supportive, and stress-free.
If you’re expecting, be sure to let your dentist know — even early in your pregnancy. This helps us plan your care, decide when X-rays are necessary, and take any extra safety measures.
You should also tell your dentist if:
With today’s technology and proper safety steps, dental X-rays can be performed during pregnancy when needed, especially for urgent dental problems. The small amount of radiation from dental X-rays is considered safe when precautions are used.
The key is to balance the benefits of diagnosing and treating a dental issue with the importance of minimizing any unnecessary exposure.
At Pediatric Dental Specialists in Leawood, KS, we focus on making dental care gentle, positive, and family-friendly. Whether we’re caring for your child’s smile or supporting you through your own dental needs, our goal is to provide a safe, welcoming space.
If you’re pregnant and have questions about dental X-rays, our team is here to guide you. We’ll help you make informed decisions that protect both you and your baby, because healthy smiles start with healthy families.
Have questions about dental care during pregnancy? Contact our caring team today and schedule your visit with a trusted child dental specialist in Leawood.
