Oral Health Tips for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a wonderful time, but it can bring special challenges to your oral health. Hormonal changes and morning sickness can affect your gums and teeth, so extra care is important to keep your smile healthy for you and your baby.

What Changes Happen in Your Mouth During Pregnancy?

• Increased hormones can make gums more sensitive and prone to swelling or bleeding — a condition called pregnancy gingivitis (Laine, 2002).
• Morning sickness causes stomach acids to enter the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel and increase decay risk (Sanz et al., 2015).
• Some pregnant women may skip oral hygiene because of nausea or fatigue, but it’s important to keep up brushing and flossing.

Oral Health Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep plaque under control.
• Rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash after vomiting to neutralise stomach acid.
• Eat healthy, balanced meals and limit sugary snacks to protect your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Routine cleanings and check-ups are safe during pregnancy and help catch issues early.
• Inform your dentist about your pregnancy so they can provide the safest treatments.
• If you experience bleeding or swollen gums, mention it to your dentist; prompt care can prevent more serious problems.

Taking these steps during pregnancy helps protect both your oral health and your baby’s developing health.

References

• Laine, M. L. (2002). Effect of pregnancy on periodontal and dental health. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 60(5), 257-264.
• Sanz, M., et al. (2015). Scientific evidence on the association between periodontal health and pregnancy outcomes. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 42(Suppl 16), S164-S174.