Dental X-rays are considered safe during pregnancy, at any trimester, when a lead apron and thyroid collar are used, because the radiation dose that reaches the baby is a tiny fraction of what it's already exposed to from natural background radiation every day. A single dental X-ray typically delivers around 0.005 to 0.01 millisieverts, and with proper shielding the amount that reaches the foetus is smaller still. Necessary dental treatment, including the X-rays needed to diagnose it, generally shouldn't be delayed because of pregnancy.
Key takeaways
- A routine dental X-ray delivers roughly 0.005 to 0.01 millisieverts, an amount well below the level associated with any known risk to a developing baby.
- The ADA, together with obstetric bodies, considers necessary dental radiography safe at any stage of pregnancy when a lead apron and thyroid collar are used.
- An estimated 60 to 75% of pregnant women experience some degree of pregnancy gingivitis, which is one reason dental visits, not fewer of them, matter during pregnancy.
- Dentists still follow the ALARA principle, as low as reasonably achievable, and will only take an X-ray during pregnancy if it's genuinely needed to diagnose or treat a problem.
- Elective or purely routine X-rays that can safely wait until after the birth are often deferred, but this is a case-by-case decision, not a blanket rule.
- Untreated dental infections carry their own risks during pregnancy, so avoiding necessary imaging and treatment out of caution isn't the safer option.
How much radiation is actually involved
The numbers here are smaller than most people expect. A single intraoral X-ray, the small films used to check individual teeth, typically delivers around 0.005 to 0.01 millisieverts. For context, natural background radiation from soil, air and cosmic rays adds up to roughly 0.008 to 0.01 millisieverts per day for the average person, so one dental X-ray is broadly comparable to the radiation you're exposed to just going about an ordinary day. With a lead apron and thyroid collar in place, the dose that reaches the abdomen and the developing baby is smaller again.
| Source | Approximate radiation dose |
|---|---|
| One intraoral dental X-ray (bitewing or periapical) | About 0.005 to 0.01 mSv |
| One OPG (full jaw panoramic) X-ray | About 0.01 to 0.03 mSv |
| Natural background radiation, per day | About 0.008 to 0.01 mSv |
| Natural background radiation, per year | About 1.5 to 3 mSv |
What the guidelines actually say
According to the American Dental Association, the American Pregnancy Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, necessary dental radiography is considered safe at any stage of pregnancy provided proper shielding is used. Dentists work to the ALARA principle, as low as reasonably achievable, meaning imaging is only taken when it will genuinely change diagnosis or treatment, pregnant or not. In practice this means an X-ray to investigate a suspected abscess or check the extent of decay is treated as necessary, while a routine recall X-ray with no symptoms present might reasonably be deferred until after the birth if there's no clinical urgency.
Different types of dental X-ray, and when each is used
Not all dental X-rays are the same, some are small single-tooth images, others capture the whole jaw. Understanding the difference helps make sense of why a dentist might recommend one type over another during pregnancy. Our guide to dental X-ray types, bitewing and OPG explained breaks down what each one is actually looking for.
Why dental visits matter more during pregnancy, not less
Pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to the gums and change how they respond to plaque, which is why an estimated 60 to 75% of pregnant women experience some degree of pregnancy gingivitis, often peaking in the third trimester. Left untreated, gum inflammation can progress, and research has linked more advanced gum disease during pregnancy to a higher chance of complications like preterm birth. That's the practical argument for keeping up regular dental visits and cleans through pregnancy rather than skipping them out of caution. If gum disease has already progressed, our guide to gum disease treatment and cost explains what treatment typically involves.
When an X-ray genuinely can't wait
Some situations, like a suspected dental abscess, a knocked or badly damaged tooth, or unexplained persistent pain, need imaging to diagnose properly regardless of pregnancy, because an untreated infection carries its own risks that outweigh the very small radiation exposure involved. Our guides to tooth abscess signs and treatment and whether a tooth is savable cover how these decisions are typically made. If you're pregnant and something feels wrong, it's worth being seen rather than waiting it out.
Cavities don't pause for pregnancy either
Morning sickness, more frequent snacking and, for some, less energy for a full hygiene routine can all add up to a higher cavity risk during pregnancy. Our guide on cavities and tooth decay, causes and prevention covers practical ways to protect your teeth through this period without needing to overhaul your entire routine.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a dental X-ray in my first trimester?
Yes, necessary dental X-rays are considered safe at any stage of pregnancy when a lead apron and thyroid collar are used, though your dentist will still only take one if it's genuinely needed.
Should I tell my dentist I'm pregnant before an X-ray?
Yes, always let your dentist know, even if you're only in the early stages, so they can confirm shielding is used and make an informed decision about whether imaging is necessary right now.
Is it safer to just avoid all dental treatment until after the baby is born?
No, delaying necessary treatment can allow problems like decay or infection to worsen, and untreated dental infection during pregnancy carries its own risks. Routine, non-urgent treatment can often be scheduled around your comfort, but genuine problems shouldn't be ignored.
Does a dental X-ray use the same type of radiation as a CT scan?
It's the same type of radiation, X-rays, but the dose is vastly smaller. A dental X-ray delivers a small fraction of the dose used in a medical CT scan.
Why do pregnant women get bleeding gums more often?
Pregnancy hormones increase blood flow and change the gum tissue's response to plaque, making bleeding and inflammation, known as pregnancy gingivitis, more common, especially in the second and third trimester.
Can pregnancy gum disease actually affect the baby?
Research has linked more advanced, untreated gum disease during pregnancy with a higher likelihood of complications such as preterm birth, which is part of why ongoing dental care during pregnancy is encouraged.
What protective equipment is used during a dental X-ray while pregnant?
A lead apron covering the torso and a thyroid collar are standard, further reducing the already low radiation dose that could reach the abdomen.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental or medical advice. If you're pregnant and due for a check-up or have a dental concern, the Lumi team can talk you through what's needed, see our current deals or book with our general dentist in Melrose Park.
