Looking After Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings plenty of changes, and your mouth is part of that. Many expectant mothers notice their gums bleed more easily or their teeth feel different. Most of these changes are temporary, but they are worth understanding.

Why gums change in pregnancy

Hormonal changes make the gums react more strongly to plaque. As a result, many women develop pregnancy gingivitis: gums that look redder, feel tender and bleed when brushed. Good daily cleaning and a professional clean can help keep it under control. Occasionally a small, harmless swelling called a pregnancy epulis appears on the gum; it usually shrinks after the birth, but tell your dentist if you notice one.

Morning sickness and enamel

Stomach acid can soften tooth enamel. If you are sick:

• rinse your mouth with plain water or a fluoride mouthwash afterwards
• wait about an hour before brushing, so you don't brush away softened enamel
• if brushing triggers nausea, try a small-headed brush, a mild-flavoured toothpaste and brushing more slowly

Cravings and snacking

Frequent snacking, especially on sugary or acidic foods, gives bacteria more opportunities to attack teeth. Where you can, choose savoury snacks such as cheese, plain yoghurt or vegetables between meals, keep sweet treats to mealtimes, and drink water or milk.

Your daily routine

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and spit rather than rinse.
• Clean between your teeth once a day.
• Keep up with check-ups, and tell the dentist you are pregnant and how many weeks along you are.

Can I have dental treatment while pregnant?

Routine check-ups, cleaning and most necessary treatment can be carried out during pregnancy, and leaving an infection untreated isn't good for you or your baby. Your dentist will take your pregnancy into account when deciding on X-rays, medicines and timing. Some purely cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, are usually postponed until after the baby is born.

NHS charges

In England, NHS dental treatment is free while you are pregnant and for 12 months after your baby is born, if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate. Dental Wellness Mill Hill is a private practice, so this exemption applies to treatment at NHS practices rather than with us.

Book a visit

We are at 46 The Broadway, Mill Hill NW7 3LH, with ground-floor treatment rooms, a short walk from Mill Hill Broadway station. Call 020 3930 4900, email smile@dentalwellnessmillhill.co.uk or book online.