Dental care in pregnancy
Emily Cater
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Swollen, bleeding gums? Sensitive teeth? Pregnancy can cause all manner of problems for your teeth which is why it's essential to stick to a thorough dental healthcare routine ...
Oral health care in pregnancy
Taking care of your oral health is crucial during your pregnancy. All that progesterone and oestrogen swimming around your body can cause gums to soften and bleed, leaving you more susceptible to gum disease, sensitivity and other tooth problems.
During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases by up to 50%, to carry nutrients to your baby. This accounts for those radiant rosy cheeks, but also explains the increased blood flow to your gums that can cause gum problems.
In the UK, almost half of all pregnant women suffer from pregnancy gingivitis (combined gum disease and sensitivity). If left untreated, this can cause serious dental problems for mum. It's also associated with an increased risk of premature birth and having a baby with a low birth weight.
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You'll therefore need to take extra good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant, not only in terms of brushing them, but also sticking to a healthy, balanced diet.
Top tips for tooth care during pregnancy
Make an appointment with your dentist
When you've decided to start trying for a baby, book a dental appointment so that any necessary dental work, such as x-rays, can take place pre-conception.
If you're already pregnant, schedule a routine appointment as soon as you can. It's a good idea to get this done early in your pregnancy, as your dentist will be able to advise you on the best way to maintain good dental health throughout your pregnancy. But if you're already into your second or third trimester, it's never too late.
Pregnant women are entitled to free dental care and treatment from the start of their pregnancy until their baby turns one – take full advantage of this, dental treatment doesn't come cheap these days!
According to the NHS, in order to get free dental care, you need to apply for a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx). Ask your doctor, nurse or midwife for form FW8. You complete parts 1 and 2 of the form, and your doctor, midwife or nurse signs it to confirm that the information you've given is correct.
Brush thoroughly
It is more important than ever to brush your teeth effectively during your pregnancy. Brush regularly and thoroughly for two minutes, twice every day, to remove plaque. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
You can also use a mouthwash if you like, but remember that mouthwash isn't a substitute for brushing. Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol.
Floss daily
No, not the dance. It's important to use dental floss once a day to remove little bits of food that get stuck between the teeth and cause tooth decay.
Brushing alone can't get them, so invest in some dental floss; your dentist can show you how best to use it if you're not sure.
Invest in a good toothbrush
Opt for a brush with a small head and soft bristles, that will reach every part of your mouth whilst still being gentle on your gums.
The British Dental Association says there's no evidence that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones, but feel free to use one if you want. Some have built-in timers to make sure you're brushing for the full recommended two minutes, which you may find useful.
We like Oral B's range of toothbrushes, with models to suit every budget. See more details here at Amazon.
If you're suffering from pregnancy sickness
Avoid the temptation to brush immediately after being sick. The acid from your stomach can cause tooth erosion which will worsen with brushing.
Opt for a drink of water instead and return to brushing your teeth around an hour later.
Try a salt rinse
The NHS advises that a daily salt rinse (1 teaspoon of salt added to a cup of warm water) can help reduce gum inflammation. Swirl the wash around your mouth a few times before spitting it out (do not swallow).
Watch your diet
Try not to give in to too many sugary cravings and stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet packed with nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as possible, as these will attack your teeth and make dental problems worse. Try to only have sugary things at mealtimes.
When you're hungry between meals, try to opt for tooth-friendly snacks like fresh fruit, veg sticks or plain yoghurt. Avoid dried fruit, as it's high in sugar and sticks to the teeth.
Stop smoking
If you're a smoker, quitting now is the single most important thing you can do for the health of you and your baby. Not only can it cause serious health problems for you and your baby, it can also make gum disease worse.
Myths about dental care during pregnancy
- Drinking milk during pregnancy is a great way to ensure you get the recommended intake of calcium, but sadly there's no evidence to suggest your baby will have perfectly healthy teeth as a result. Calcium is still important for your baby's bones though, so cheese, yoghurt and milk are all good additions to your pregnancy diet (if you're vegan, have calcium-fortified products instead).
- We've all heard that old saying 'you lose a tooth for every child!' It originated years ago when oral health and nutrition wasn't quite up to the standard it is today, so pregnant women were more susceptible to gum disease and problematic teeth. As long as you care for your teeth properly and eat a well balanced diet, there's no reason why you should lose any teeth ...
- The taste and quality of breastmilk is not affected by dental treatments, despite what some choose to believe!
- There's no evidence that taking fluoride supplements in pregnancy can help your baby to have healthier teeth as they grow.
Fillings and dental care during pregnancy
If you haven't visited the dentist for a while, now is the time! Not only will they be able to assess the condition of your teeth, but you can also visit the hygienist for a thorough clean and get some useful oral health tips which you can apply throughout pregnancy.
Fillings
If you need a filling or two, your dentist will decide on the best course of treatment - taking into consideration your stage of pregnancy.
Although there is no evidence to suggest mercury fillings are a health risk to pregnant women, they are generally avoided (where possible) until after the birth.
X-rays
If possible, you should generally avoid having X-rays while you're pregnant, unless it's urgent.
Dental X-rays emit a very small amount of radiation. This is unlikely to affect your baby's development, but in some cases babies who are exposed to X-rays can have a very slightly higher chance of developing cancer in childhood.
So if you need an X-ray, your dentist will probably recommend waiting until after your baby's born, to be on the safe side.
If you really need an X-ray for an emergency dental issue, your dentist will take every precaution to protect your baby, by angling the X-ray so it won't reach your baby. Rarely, if they can't get the right angle, they'll give you a lead apron to protect your baby.
Why not read about your pregnancy week by week here?
Are you pregnant and worried about your teeth? Read more below, and discuss with others over on our forum:
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