Pregnancy changes nearly every system in the body, including your oral health. Hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and changes in behaviour or diet can increase your risk for certain dental issues. Here’s a breakdown of how pregnancy affects oral health and what you can do to protect your smile during this time:
1. Hormonal Changes and Gum Disease
Pregnancy increases levels of progesterone and oestrogen, which can:
- Make gums more sensitive to plaque.
- Lead to pregnancy gingivitis, a common condition causing swollen, red, or bleeding gums (often in the second trimester).
- Increase risk of periodontal disease if gingivitis is left untreated.
Our Oral Health Tip during Pregnancy: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist for cleanings and regular checkups—even during pregnancy.
2. Pregnancy Tumours (Pyogenic Granulomas)
Some pregnant women develop pregnancy tumours on the gums.
- These are non-cancerous growths that appear red, raw, and bleed easily.
- Typically caused by excess plaque and hormonal shifts.
- Often resolved after childbirth, but can be removed if painful or problematic.
Our Oral Health Tip during Pregnancy: Continue with your regular dental checkups and don’t be afraid to book an appointment if you are worried.
3. Morning Sickness and Enamel Erosion
Frequent vomiting from morning sickness can expose teeth to stomach acid, leading to:
- Enamel erosion
- Increased risk for cavities and tooth sensitivity
Our tip: Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting—don’t brush immediately to avoid damaging softened enamel.
4. Increased Risk of Cavities
Changes in diet (more snacking or cravings for sweets) and oral hygiene habits may:
- Increase the number of cavity-causing bacteria
- Affect both mother and baby (bacteria can be passed to the baby after birth)
Our Oral Health Tip during Pregnancy: Remember to practice a balanced diet and rinse after sweet treats.
5. Dry Mouth and Excess Saliva
Some pregnant women experience:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) – which can raise cavity risk
- Excessive saliva (ptyalism) – common in early pregnancy and often related to nausea
Our Tip: Stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, and talk to your dentist about products for dry mouth.
Dental Care During Pregnancy
- Routine dental cleanings and routine dental check ups, (x-rays only if they are absolutely essential)
- Let your dentist know you’re pregnant
- Don’t ignore bleeding gums or mouth pain
- Good oral health is part of prenatal care, healthy gums can help reduce risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. Poor gum health, also known as periodontal disease, can lead to inflammation and bacterial infection, which may contribute to these adverse pregnancy outcomes according to some studies. Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect the developing foetus or trigger inflammatory responses that can lead to premature labor or low birth weight.
If you’re concerned about your oral health during pregnancy or would like some more advice, don’t hesitate to contact us.