Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also bring many changes to your body, including your teeth and gums. Many people are surprised to learn that oral health can be affected during pregnancy, even if they have not had many dental problems before.
Hormonal changes, morning sickness, changes in diet, cravings, fatigue and gum sensitivity can all make dental care feel more difficult. However, looking after your teeth and gums during pregnancy is important for your comfort, your general health and your long-term oral health.
The good news is that dental care during pregnancy is not only important, but also safe in most cases. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or have recently had a baby, regular dental check-ups can help identify issues early and prevent small problems from becoming more serious.
During pregnancy, hormone levels change significantly. These changes can affect how your gums respond to plaque, which is the sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth each day.
Even a small amount of plaque may cause more gum irritation than usual. This is why some pregnant patients notice bleeding gums, tenderness or swelling, especially when brushing or flossing.
Pregnancy can also increase the risk of tooth decay and enamel erosion. This may be linked to:
These changes do not mean that dental problems are unavoidable. With the right care, most pregnancy-related oral health issues can be managed and often prevented.
Yes. Dental visits are generally safe during pregnancy, and necessary dental treatment should not be delayed simply because you are pregnant.
It is important to tell your dentist that you are pregnant, how far along you are, and whether your pregnancy has any complications. This helps your dental team plan your care appropriately and make sure you are comfortable during your appointment.
Routine dental check-ups, professional cleans, fillings and treatment for pain or infection can usually be provided during pregnancy when needed. Elective cosmetic treatments may often be delayed until after pregnancy, but urgent or necessary care should be assessed promptly.
If you have toothache, gum swelling, bleeding gums, a broken tooth, or signs of infection, arrange a dental appointment rather than waiting until after the baby is born.
Pregnancy may make some oral health problems more likely or more noticeable. The most common issues include gum inflammation, tooth decay, enamel erosion and changes in the gums.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. During pregnancy, the gums may become more sensitive to plaque, which can lead to redness, swelling, tenderness and bleeding when brushing or flossing.
This is often called pregnancy gingivitis. It is common, but it should not be ignored.
If gingivitis is not managed, it may progress to more serious gum disease, known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Over time, this may lead to gum recession, loose teeth or tooth loss.
Signs of gum disease may include:
Good oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning can help control gum inflammation. Your dentist can also show you how to clean effectively if your gums are sensitive or bleeding.
Tooth decay can develop during pregnancy for several reasons. Morning sickness, reflux, changes in eating patterns and increased snacking can expose the teeth to more acid and sugar. If plaque is not removed properly, this can increase the risk of cavities.
A cavity should not be left untreated. If decay progresses, it can cause toothache, infection or the need for more complex treatment later.
Dental fillings are commonly used to repair teeth affected by decay. Your dentist will recommend a suitable filling material based on the size and location of the cavity, your bite, your oral health and your preferences.
Tooth-coloured composite resin fillings are commonly used because they blend well with natural teeth. Other materials may also be considered in specific situations. If you have concerns about any filling material during pregnancy, discuss them with your dentist before treatment.
Existing fillings do not usually need to be replaced just because you are pregnant. However, if a filling is broken, leaking, painful or affected by decay, your dentist can assess the safest and most appropriate way to treat it.
Vomiting and acid reflux can expose your teeth to stomach acid. Over time, this can wear away the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth.
Tooth erosion may cause:
If you vomit, avoid brushing your teeth straight away. The enamel may be temporarily softened by acid, and brushing immediately can cause further wear. Instead, rinse your mouth with water. You can also ask your dentist about fluoride products or other ways to protect your enamel during pregnancy.
If morning sickness or reflux is frequent, it is worth mentioning this to both your dentist and your GP or midwife.
Some pregnant patients develop small gum growths known as pregnancy tumours or pyogenic granulomas. Despite the name, these are not cancer.
They usually appear as red or purple lumps on the gums and may bleed easily. They are often linked to irritation, plaque buildup or hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Pregnancy tumours often reduce after the baby is born, but they should still be assessed by a dentist. If they are painful, bleeding frequently, making it difficult to eat, or interfering with oral hygiene, your dentist can advise whether treatment is needed.
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking dental advice. Arrange a dental appointment if you notice:
If you have facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or severe dental pain, seek urgent dental or medical advice.
Dental X-rays may be needed if your dentist needs to diagnose pain, infection, trauma or decay that cannot be assessed properly by examination alone.
In Australia, dental X-rays can be taken during pregnancy when clinically necessary. Your dentist will only recommend an X-ray if the benefit of accurate diagnosis outweighs any concern, and appropriate precautions can be used.
Always tell your dentist if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. This allows the dental team to plan your care safely and explain why any imaging is recommended.
Routine or non-urgent X-rays may sometimes be delayed, but X-rays needed to diagnose pain, infection or urgent dental problems should not automatically be avoided.
Many dental treatments can be safely provided during pregnancy when they are necessary. The exact timing and approach will depend on your symptoms, the stage of pregnancy, your medical history and the urgency of the problem.
Treatment during pregnancy may include:
If you need urgent dental treatment, your dentist may also communicate with your GP, obstetrician or midwife where appropriate, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or complex medical history.
The second trimester is often a comfortable time for routine dental care, but dental emergencies can be treated at any stage of pregnancy when needed.
Preventive care is the best way to protect your teeth and gums during pregnancy.
Here are practical steps that can help:
Small daily habits can make a significant difference, especially when your mouth is more sensitive than usual.
A common myth is that pregnancy “takes calcium” from the mother’s teeth. This is not how pregnancy works.
Your teeth do not lose calcium directly to support the baby. However, pregnancy can increase the risk of dental problems because of changes in hormones, diet, vomiting, reflux and oral hygiene routines.
This is why dental check-ups and preventive care are important during pregnancy.
Your baby’s teeth begin developing before birth, so your general health and nutrition during pregnancy matter. A balanced diet that includes appropriate vitamins and minerals can support both your health and your baby’s development.
After your baby is born, your dentist can also advise you on early oral care, feeding habits, teething, and when your child should have their first dental visit.
Looking after your own oral health is one of the first steps in creating healthy habits for your child.
Pregnancy is a time when your oral health deserves extra attention. Bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, decay, erosion and dental pain should not be ignored, especially when early treatment can often make care simpler and more comfortable.
At MGA Dental, our team provides calm, supportive dental care for pregnant patients at our Brisbane and Gold Coast clinics. We can assess your teeth and gums, explain your treatment options clearly, and provide care that is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy and individual needs.
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or experiencing dental symptoms during pregnancy, contact MGA Dental to arrange an appointment.
September 25, 2017
If you’re welcoming a little bundle of joy, you’re probably familiar about best practices you need to adopt to maintain yours and your baby’s health at the highest possible level. Unfortunately, oral health is sometimes neglected during pregnancy. Keeping good oral health is as important as other aspects of your pregnancy routine.