Why Is It Important To Look After My Teeth During Pregnancy?

You’re pregnant. Congratulations! At Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre our dentists understand that pregnancy can be an exciting time that also requires close attention to be paid to your dental health.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can result in your gums becoming inflamed, red and sometimes bleeding when you brush your teeth. ‘Pregnancy gingivitis’ can start within the first trimester of pregnancy resulting in swollen and inflamed gums.

The hormone progesterone can alter a woman’s response to gingival plaque or tartar resulting in exaggerated bleeding, pain and swelling. As a result of the hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy women are at higher risk of developing gum disease, otherwise known as ‘periodontal disease’ during pregnancy.

During pregnancy it is advisable to attend during your second trimester for a dental cleaning. This allows your dentist to assess your mouth for red nodules called ‘pregnancy granuloma’s’ which are usually found on the gums of the upper jaw. These nodules can be painful but usually uneventfully regress following the birth of your baby. Your dentist at Smile Hub will also assess your mouth for tooth erosion as this can occur if you experience morning sickness. It is advisable to drink plenty of water during this time and chew sugar free chewing gum after meals to stimulate saliva flow as dry mouth can occur during pregnancy.

We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and providing you with a comprehensive dental examination. We’re also passionate about providing excellence in dental care to children from the age of 3 years old in Smile Hub Dental Clinic. We would be delighted to provide you with some useful tips on caring for your baby’s future oral health too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hormonal changes affect my gums?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can result in swelling of your gums and bleeding of your gums. This affects up to 70% of pregnant women. If left untreated gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) can result in a more severe infection in your gums and surrounding bone. Untreated periodontal disease can result in tooth loss and bone loss.

Can acid from morning sickness or acid reflux harm my teeth?

Stomach acid can dissolve tooth enamel. Using a fluoridated mouthwash with a low alcohol content after vomiting can help neutralise the acid. However, delay brushing your teeth for at least an hour after experiencing morning sickness to avoid exposing your teeth to the stomach’s acid.

How often should a pregnant woman visit the dentist?

It is important to see your dentist in the second trimester of pregnancy for a gentle scale and polish. During pregnancy hormonal changes can result in the gums having an exaggerated response to how gums react to plaque. Plaque leads to gingivitis. At Smile Hub to ensure your comfort we keep our head at a higher level than your feet.

How should I care for my teeth at home during pregnancy?

A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended for women experiencing swelling, redness or bleeding gums. Brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste. Floss daily because swelling can make it easier for bits of food to get stuck in between your teeth. Be gentle when flossing as this can cause bleeding gums. It is important to eat good sources of protein, calcium and phosphorous for your baby’s developing bones, teeth and gums.

Is it safe for a pregnant woman to have a root canal treatment or a tooth extracted?

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. However delaying emergency treatment is inadvisable as this may result in more complex problems. Your oral health can after all affect your baby’s health. Local anaesthetics for numbing areas of your mouth may be used during pregnancy. The American Dental Association state that dental emergency care is safe at any stage during pregnancy.