Pregnancy brings plenty of changes to your body, but your teeth and gums can also be affected. From swollen or bleeding gums to morning sickness, increased cravings and a higher risk of tooth decay, there are several ways pregnancy can impact your oral health. We spoke to Dr Jessica Huang, general dentist at Ten Dental, to explain what mums-to-be can expect and how to keep teeth and gums healthy throughout pregnancy.
How to Look After Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
Does pregnancy actually affect your teeth and gums, and what changes should mums-to-be expect?
Yes, mainly due to the hormonal changes and other factors such as morning sickness and food cravings. You may notice your gums bleed more easily and are more swollen and tender.
Frequent snacking and increased sugary cravings can also increase the risk of tooth decay.
Why do some women experience bleeding or swollen gums during pregnancy, and when is it something to be concerned about?
This is due to the higher levels of pregnancy hormones making your gums react more strongly to the bacteria in dental plaque. As a result, even a relatively small amount of plaque can trigger more inflammation than it normally would. This is called pregnancy gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis is common and it usually isn’t something to panic about. However, the important thing is to not ignore it. If you notice the symptoms getting worse, for example, persistent or frequent bleeding, receding gums or teeth that feel loose, then you should contact your dental practice.
Morning sickness can mean frequent vomiting and exposure to stomach acid. What’s the best way to protect your teeth afterwards?
Rinse your mouth with water to wash away the stomach acid. Don’t brush your teeth immediately as the stomach acid softens the enamel; wait an hour before brushing using a fluoride toothpaste.
What should pregnant women be doing every day to keep their teeth and gums healthy?
Brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, with an electric toothbrush ideally.
Clean in between your teeth at least once a day, using floss or interdental brushes.
Drink plenty of water especially if you’re experiencing dry mouth or vomiting.
Limit sugary food and fizzy drinks to mealtimes, rather than snacking throughout the day.
If brushing makes you gag or triggers morning sickness, what can you do to maintain good oral hygiene?
Brush at a different time of day when your nausea has settled. Using a small, soft toothbrush may reduce gagging. If brushing is too intolerable at a particular moment, you could rinse your mouth using a fluoride mouthwash. But try to return to your normal brushing routine if you can.
Does pregnancy have any longer-term effects on your teeth and gums, or should everything return to normal after birth?
For most women, pregnancy-related changes to the gums improve after birth as the hormone levels return to normal. However, tooth decay doesn’t reverse so will still require treatment. Additionally, any enamel erosion caused by repeated vomiting is permanent as the enamel doesn’t grow back.
What symptoms should never be ignored during pregnancy when it comes to your teeth or gums?
Persistent, heavy gum bleeding; pus or infection; toothache or severe sensitivity; a tooth that feels loose and wobbly; and any symptoms that have continued to worsen. It’s still possible to do emergency dental treatment whilst pregnant so if you have a problem, tell your dentist so they can provide appropriate care.
And finally, if you could give every pregnant woman just three pieces of advice about looking after her teeth, what would they be?
Keep cleaning your teeth and gums every day, using a fluoride toothpaste. Don’t stop brushing because you see your gums bleed; this usually means they’re inflamed so require gentle, thorough cleaning. Try to reduce snacking if possible to help prevent repeated acid attacks on your teeth. Continue with your regular dental check-ups even if your mouth feels fine as your dentist can spot and prevent problems early.
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