Can pregnant women have dental cavities filled?

　　Pregnant women may undergo routine dental fillings. Simple restorative procedures are safe and controllable, posing no risk to maternal or fetal health. However, complex restorative treatments should be avoided during the first and third trimesters.

　　Cavities that develop during pregnancy typically result from bacterial proliferation due to food debris retention, leading to progressive demineralization and destruction of dental hard tissues. For mild (shallow) or moderate caries, treatment involves only removal of carious dentin followed by resin-based restoration—without the use of potent medications or invasive procedures. Timely restoration halts caries progression, preventing complications such as tooth structure loss and pulpitis, thereby reducing oral discomfort during pregnancy.

　　Dental care during pregnancy strictly differentiates treatment approaches based on caries severity. Shallow and moderate caries can be safely managed with routine restorations during the second trimester. In cases of deep caries approaching the pulp, a palliative (sedative) treatment may first be performed to protect the pulp, with definitive restoration deferred until after delivery. For more complex conditions—such as pulpitis or apical periodontitis—conservative management is prioritized to control inflammation while avoiding high-risk interventions that could cause systemic stress.

　　Maintain a bland, soft, and easily chewable diet; limit intake of sugary and sticky foods; brush teeth thoroughly twice daily and rinse after meals to promptly remove food residues. These measures help stabilize the oral environment and prevent further caries progression.