Skip to content

Home

Dental care in pregnancy

Swollen, bleeding gums? Sensitive teeth? Pregnancy can cause all manner of problems for your teeth which is why it's essential to stick to a thorough oral health care routine...

 

Oral health care in pregnancy

Taking care of your oral health is crucial during your pregnancy. All that progesterone and oestrogen swimming around your body can cause gums to soften and bleed leaving you more susceptible to gum disease, sensitivity and other tooth problems.  During pregnancy your blood flow increases by 30-50%, which explains those radiant rosy cheeks but also explains the increased blood flow to your gums that can cause gum problems. In the UK half of all pregnant woman suffer from pregnancy gingivitis (combined gum disease and sensitivity) which left untreated could effect both mother and baby.

Top tips for tooth care

Make an appointment: When you have decided to start trying for a baby book a dental appointment so that any necessary dental work, i.e. x-rays, can take place pre-conception. If you're already pregnant, schedule a routine appointment for the second trimester. Pregnant women are entitled to free dental care and treatment from the start of their pregnancy until their baby turns one - take full advantage of this, dental treatment doesn't come cheap these days!  

Brushing: It is more important than ever to brush and floss your teeth effectively during your pregnancy. Brush regularly and thoroughly (though not too vigorously) after meals or sugary snacks, at least twice a day.

Invest in a good toothbrush: Using an electric/battery operated brush with fluoride toothpaste will ensure a thorough clean. If your budget is limited to a manual brush, opt for a soft, but firm bristled brush that will reach all those hard-to-get-to areas at the back of your mouth. It's also important to floss at least once a day.

If you're suffering from pregnancy sickness: Avoid the temptation to brush immediately after being sick, the acid from your stomach can cause tooth erosion which will worsten with brushing. Opt for a drink of water instead and return to brushing your teeth around an hour later. 

Rinse aid: Pregnancy sickness is common and the acid can be very damaging to the surface of your teeth. If you experience pregnancy sickness make sure you rinse your teeth with mouthwash. Opt for a minty flavour that will refresh rather than adding to the nausea!

Mini brush and paste: Pregnancy can induce sugary cravings which you can ward off by cleaning your teeth on the go. Keep a mini brush and tube of paste in your bag at the ready for when those cravings strike.  

Watch your diet: Try not to give in to too many sugary cravings and stick to a healthy, well balanced diet packed with nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables.

Tooth myths

Drinking milk during pregnancy is a great way to ensure you get the recommended intake of calcium, but sadly there is no evidence to suggest your baby will have perfectly healthy teeth as a result.

We've all heard that old saying 'you lose a tooth for every child'! It originated years ago when oral health and nutrition wasn't quite up to the standard it is today so pregnant women were more susceptible to gum disease and problematic teeth. As long as you care for your teeth properly and eat a well balanced diet, there's no reason why you should lose any teeth...

The taste and quality of breast milk is not affected by dental treatments, despite what some choose to believe!

Taking fluoride supplements during pregnancy will have little impact on your growing baby as they are unlikely to cross the placenta.

Fillings and dental treatment in pregnancy

If you haven't visited the dentist for a while, now is the time! Not only will they be able to assess the condition of your teeth, but you can also visit the hygienist for a thorough clean and get some useful oral health tips which you can apply throughout pregnancy. If you need a filling or two, your dentist will decide on the best course of treatment - taking into consideration your stage of pregnancy. Although there is no evidence to suggest mercury fillings are a health risk to pregnant women, they are generally avoided (where possible) until after the birth.

Chat to other mums due the same time as you  

Read about your pregnancy week by week

Find out how to feel great in pregnancy and overcome all of those common pregnancy complaints

 

Sponsors

Advertise here

Advertise here

Advertise your business
nationally on this page.

Find out more