Dental Care During Pregnancy: What Is Safe and When
Published by The Seoul Dental Clinic · Meet the dentists
Routine check-ups and cleaning are generally considered appropriate during pregnancy, and treating pain or infection should not be put off. Elective cosmetic work is usually postponed. Always tell your dentist you are pregnant, and ask your obstetrician if you are unsure.
Tell your dentist first
Say that you are pregnant, and how far along you are, at the start of the visit. Share any complications and the medications or supplements you take. Your dentist can then plan care that suits your situation.
This page offers general information, not personal medical advice. If you have concerns, speak with your obstetrician as well.
What is usually done and what usually waits
Your dentist and obstetrician make the final call for your case.
| Type of care | General approach |
|---|---|
| Check-up and scaling | Generally considered appropriate |
| Treatment of pain, infection or a broken tooth | Should not be delayed; discuss options with your dentist |
| Elective whitening, veneers, cosmetic work | Usually postponed until after pregnancy |
| Orthodontic and implant planning | Often discussed now but started later, by case |
General guidance only; individual advice depends on your health.
Why gums often change
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can make gums more sensitive, swollen or likely to bleed. Many people notice this even with good brushing.
Regular cleaning helps. Insurance-covered scaling follows national health insurance rules, and additional (non-covered) scaling is listed at ₩50,000. If inflammation is deeper, a gum treatment plan is quoted after examination.
X-rays and medication
Dentists use imaging only when it is needed for diagnosis, and take precautions. If you need an X-ray for an urgent problem, your dentist will explain the plan and why it is necessary.
Do not start or stop any medication on your own. Your dentist and obstetrician can agree on anything needed for dental work.
Timing your visits
Many people find the middle of pregnancy the most comfortable time for routine dental visits, since lying back for long is easier then. Late pregnancy can be uncomfortable in the dental chair, and short appointments may help.
If you are planning a baby, a check-up beforehand is a good idea so that any problems can be treated first.
Booking and comfort
Opening hours are Mon–Wed 09:30–20:30, Thu 09:30–19:00, Fri 09:30–18:30 and Sat 09:30–13:00, with no lunch break; the clinic is closed on Sundays and open on public holidays. Book ahead. The English consultation is published as free, so you can ask questions before deciding.
Tell us if you feel nauseous, dizzy or uncomfortable lying flat. We can adjust your position and take breaks. Conscious sedation is generally not a routine choice during pregnancy; ask your doctors if it is ever being considered.
Questions to bring to your appointment
Your comfort and safety come first. Our dentists will explain each step, and you can pause treatment at any point.
If you are unsure whether something is worth mentioning, mention it. Small details often help your dentist understand the whole picture, and nothing you ask will be treated as a silly question. You can also message the clinic after your visit if a question occurs to you later, and we will reply in English as soon as we can. Please remember that every mouth is different, so the advice here is general and your own plan is confirmed at the consultation.
- Is this treatment needed now, or can it wait until after the baby arrives?
- Is imaging needed, and what precautions will be taken?
- How should I sit or lie during the procedure for comfort?
- What should I do if I feel unwell during the visit?
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to see a dentist while pregnant?
Routine care is generally considered appropriate. Tell your dentist you are pregnant.
Should I postpone whitening?
Elective cosmetic work is usually postponed until after pregnancy.
Can I have a toothache treated?
Yes. Pain and infection should not be left, so call the clinic.
Why do my gums bleed more?
Hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive. A check-up helps.
Do I need my doctor's permission?
Ask your obstetrician if you are unsure about a specific treatment.
English-speaking dentists in Seongnam
The clinic was founded by two brothers trained at Seoul National University who direct it together. Three further dentists hold Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist certifications. Full credentials →
Dr. Hyun Sung Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Microendodontics Programme, SNU
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Certified Invisalign Provider
- Osstem Implant AIC Programme
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Dr. Hyeonjoon Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Affiliate Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Certified Invisalign Provider; leads orthodontic treatment
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Member, Seoul Prime Orthodontic Study Club
Dr. Yu Jin Kim
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Osaka University Dental Hospital, Japan
Dr. Min Ji Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Conservative Dentistry
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Internship and residency, Jeonbuk National University Dental Hospital
- Master’s degree in Conservative Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University
Dr. Jin Young Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Clinical training, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Master’s degree, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Dentistry
- BA in English Language and Literature, Korea University
Plan a gentle, informed visit
Tell us how far along you are and what is worrying you. We will explain what can be done now and what can wait.