A: Judy, this is a time when you should not only be thinking of raising a healthy, cavity-free child but also taking extra good care of yourself. During pregnancy your body undergoes changes that can influence your oral health. You should definitely visit your dentist and tell him or her that you're pregnant. You will still need to have your teeth cleaned; if there is any work that needs to be done, your doctor can still do a lot of necessary treatments. There are certain procedures that require precautions, including those that involve local anesthetic or X-rays. Your dentist will be aware of what should be done and what can wait until after you deliver.