Prenatal Dental Care in Anaheim Hills
Dental Care During Pregnancy in Anaheim Hills
Pregnant and wondering if you should see the dentist? The answer is yes. Dental care during pregnancy is not only safe, it is recommended by both the American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Hormonal changes put your gums at higher risk, and untreated dental problems can affect your pregnancy. Dr. Mehru Bhatia provides safe, comfortable dental care for expecting mothers at every stage.
Call (714) 998-4151 or book online to schedule your prenatal dental visit.
Why Expecting Mothers Choose MySmile
Safe, evidence-based dental care that protects your health and your baby's.
We Know What Is Safe During Pregnancy
Dr. Bhatia follows ADA and ACOG guidelines for treating pregnant patients. Routine cleanings, exams, x-rays (with proper shielding), fillings, and even root canals are safe during pregnancy when necessary. She avoids elective procedures and cosmetic treatments until after delivery, but does not delay treatment that protects your health.
Pregnancy Gingivitis Is Real
Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increased blood flow to the gums and a heightened inflammatory response to plaque. Up to 75% of pregnant women experience some degree of pregnancy gingivitis: red, swollen, bleeding gums. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease, which research has linked to preterm birth and low birth weight.
Second Trimester Is Ideal, But All Trimesters Are Fine
The second trimester is often the most comfortable time for dental treatment because morning sickness has typically subsided and you are not yet in the uncomfortable final weeks. However, dental care is safe in all three trimesters. If you have a dental emergency or active infection, do not wait.
Medications and Anesthesia Adjusted for Pregnancy
Local anesthetics like lidocaine with epinephrine are considered safe during pregnancy. If antibiotics are needed, Dr. Bhatia prescribes pregnancy-safe options. She avoids nitrous oxide during the first trimester and certain medications throughout pregnancy. Every decision accounts for your baby's safety.
Evening Appointments Available
Open until 7 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Schedule your prenatal dental visit around your OB appointments and work schedule.
Postpartum Dental Check
After delivery, hormonal changes resolve and your gum health typically improves. Dr. Bhatia recommends a follow-up cleaning within a few months postpartum to assess your gums, address any issues that developed during pregnancy, and get you back on a regular schedule.
Dental Services During Pregnancy
Safe cleanings, gum disease treatment, and necessary dental care for expecting mothers.
Safe Cleanings and Exams
Routine dental cleanings and exams are safe and recommended during pregnancy. The American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both support dental care throughout pregnancy.
Learn morePregnancy Gingivitis Treatment
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum inflammation, even with good oral hygiene. More frequent cleanings and targeted home care help manage pregnancy gingivitis before it progresses.
Learn moreSafe Treatment When Needed
Cavities, infections, and dental pain should not be ignored during pregnancy. Delaying necessary treatment can be riskier than treating it. Dr. Bhatia uses pregnancy-safe techniques and materials.
Learn moreInsurance and Financing
Dental cleanings and exams during pregnancy are covered by most insurance plans as preventive care. Financing available for any additional treatment through Cherry, CareCredit, Sunbit, and LendingClub.
Learn moreLearn more: can you go to the dentist while pregnant?, gum disease treatment, and dental cleanings.
What to Expect at a Prenatal Dental Visit
When you tell us you are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant), Dr. Bhatia adjusts your care plan. She will perform a gentle but thorough cleaning, evaluate your gums for signs of pregnancy gingivitis, check for cavities, and take x-rays only if clinically necessary (with full shielding).
If treatment is needed, she discusses the safest timing and approach. Fillings for active decay are done with pregnancy-safe anesthesia. Infections are treated promptly because leaving them untreated carries more risk than treating them. Elective procedures like whitening are postponed until after delivery.
She also provides guidance on managing morning sickness-related enamel erosion (rinsing with baking soda water instead of brushing immediately after vomiting), nutrition for dental health during pregnancy, and when to schedule your next visit. If your gums are inflamed, she may recommend a cleaning in the third trimester as well to keep things under control before delivery.
Meet Dr. Mehru Bhatia
Dr. Bhatia is a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry with over 20 years of clinical experience. She founded MySmile Dental Care in Anaheim Hills in 2015 with a simple goal: provide honest, high-quality dental care in a practice where every patient feels like family.
She has been placing dental implants since 2009 and is a member of the American Dental Association and the Orange County Dental Association. Her approach combines advanced techniques with a gentle, patient-first philosophy that has earned MySmile a 4.9-star rating from hundreds of patients.
Prenatal Dental Care in Anaheim Hills and Surrounding Areas
Expecting mothers come from across east Orange County for safe prenatal dental care at MySmile. Our office on Santa Ana Canyon Road is right off the 91 Freeway.
Driving Times to Our Office
Approximate drive times from nearby cities.
Insurance & Affordable Payment Options
We accept most major dental insurance plans and work with several financing companies to make dental care accessible for every family.
Insurance Accepted
Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Aetna, Guardian, and many more PPO plans. See full list
Financing Available
Split your treatment cost into monthly payments with Cherry, CareCredit, Sunbit, or LendingClub.
New Patient Special
Welcome to MySmile!
New patients receive a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a personalized treatment plan.
View New Patient SpecialFrequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to go to the dentist while pregnant?
Yes. The American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both recommend dental care during pregnancy. Routine cleanings, exams, and necessary treatments like fillings and root canals are safe throughout pregnancy. In fact, skipping dental care during pregnancy can be riskier because untreated infections and gum disease can affect both your health and your baby's.
Can I get dental x-rays while pregnant?
Yes, when necessary. Modern digital x-rays use very low radiation, and a lead apron with a thyroid collar provides additional shielding. The American Dental Association considers dental x-rays safe during pregnancy. Dr. Bhatia takes x-rays during pregnancy only when clinically necessary for diagnosis, not routinely, and always uses proper shielding.
What is pregnancy gingivitis?
Pregnancy gingivitis is gum inflammation caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Increased progesterone makes your gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria, causing redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding when you brush or floss. Up to 75% of pregnant women experience it. A professional cleaning and improved home care usually manage it well. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontal disease.
When is the best time to see the dentist during pregnancy?
The second trimester (weeks 14 to 20) is often the most comfortable time for dental visits. Morning sickness has usually subsided, and you are not yet in the uncomfortable final weeks. However, dental care is safe in all three trimesters. If you have pain, an infection, or an emergency, do not wait for the second trimester. Get treated right away.
Can dental problems affect my pregnancy?
Research has found associations between untreated periodontal disease during pregnancy and adverse outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. While the exact mechanism is still being studied, the link between oral infection, systemic inflammation, and pregnancy complications is well-documented. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is protective for both you and your baby.
What dental treatments should I avoid while pregnant?
Elective and cosmetic procedures (whitening, veneers, smile makeovers) should wait until after delivery. Necessary treatments (fillings for active cavities, root canals for infections, extractions for teeth that cannot be saved) should not be delayed because leaving an active infection untreated poses a greater risk. Dr. Bhatia will discuss what is necessary versus what can wait for each situation.
Is dental anesthesia safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Local anesthetics like lidocaine with epinephrine are classified as safe during pregnancy (Category B). Dr. Bhatia uses the minimum effective dose and monitors your comfort throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide is generally avoided during the first trimester as a precaution. Oral sedation medications are also avoided during pregnancy.
Should I tell my dentist I am pregnant?
Yes, always. Even if you are in early pregnancy, Dr. Bhatia needs to know so she can adjust medications, x-ray decisions, treatment timing, and positioning (avoiding extended time on your back in the third trimester). She may also want to coordinate with your OB-GYN for complex cases.
Take Care of Your Smile While You Are Expecting
Schedule your prenatal dental visit with Dr. Bhatia. Safe, comfortable care that protects your oral health and supports a healthy pregnancy.