Pregnancy in some women can lead to dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. During pregnancy, hormones affect the gums and teeth.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and visiting the dentist will help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible during pregnancy.
Some dental problems may affect premature birth
Research has found a link between severe gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth with low birth weight.
Take care of your teeth before pregnancy
You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you take care of your teeth and gums before you become pregnant.
You can do this by:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing once a day between your teeth.
- Using interdental brushes.
- Eating a healthy diet and limiting foods and drinks high in sugar.
- Avoiding tobacco products and minimizing alcohol (it is advised not to drink alcohol during pregnancy, and tobacco products should be avoided at all times).
- Visiting the dentist every 6 to 12 months.
- If you are planning to become pregnant, visit your dentist to discuss any treatments that can be done before pregnancy. If you need dental treatment during pregnancy, non-urgent procedures are often performed only after the first trimester.
- Always tell your dentist if you are pregnant
- The dentist will take extra precautions when they know you are pregnant to ensure that your care is safe for you and your baby.
Causes of dental health problems during pregnancy
Common causes of dental problems during pregnancy may include:
- gum problems
- vomiting
- cravings for sweet foods
Gum problems
Pregnancy hormones can cause gum problems in some women, including:
- Gingivitis (gum infection) – this is likely to occur during the second trimester. Symptoms include swollen gums and bleeding, mostly during brushing and when flossing between teeth.
- Periodontal disease – infection of the structures that support the tooth (gum, ligament, and bone). It is caused by untreated gingivitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
If you have gum problems during pregnancy, it is important that your dentist checks them before birth. Although most types of gum problems caused by pregnancy hormones resolve after childbirth, a small number of women may develop deeper gum pockets that will need treatment after pregnancy.
If your gums bleed, do not stop brushing your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and brush at least twice daily.
Vomiting can damage teeth
Pregnancy hormones soften the muscle ring that keeps food in the stomach. Stomach reflux (bringing food or drink back up) or vomiting associated with morning sickness can cover your teeth with strong stomach acids. Repeated reflux and vomiting can damage the surface of the teeth (enamel) and increase the risk of decay.
Try these suggestions if you experience vomiting:
- Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting. While teeth are covered with stomach acids, brushing can scratch the enamel.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with tap water.
- Follow with a fluoride mouthwash.
- If you don’t have fluoride mouthwash, place a smear of fluoride toothpaste on your finger and rub it over your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Wait one hour after vomiting before brushing your teeth.
Increase calcium during pregnancy
During pregnancy, you need to increase the amount of calcium you eat or drink to protect your bones and the needs of your developing baby.
Good sources of calcium include:
- milk, cheese, and plain or unsweetened fruit yogurt
- soy, almond, or other calcium-fortified milk, cheese, and yogurt alternatives if you cannot have dairy (choose products low in sugar)
- some types of nuts, such as almonds.
Increase vitamin D during pregnancy
Vitamin D helps the body use calcium. Small amounts of sun exposure can help maintain vitamin D levels.
Good food sources of vitamin D include:
- oily fish, such as salmon, herring, and mackerel (talk to your doctor about how much fish you can safely eat during pregnancy)
- eggs
- butter
- vitamin D-fortified milk (and alternatives)
- bread and cereals.
If you do not get enough vitamin D from your diet, you can take supplements – ask your doctor if you need a vitamin D supplement.
