How to Care for Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy

Taking care of your teeth during pregnancy is incredibly important for your health and your baby's health. By maintaining basic dental hygiene, going to the dentist, and taking steps to care for gums and teeth during morning sickness, you can ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy, and protect your health and your baby's health.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Maintaining Basic Dental Hygiene While Pregnant

1
Brush twice daily during pregnancy.^{[1]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} This is especially important during pregnancy. You’re more susceptible to plaque during pregnancy because your body doesn’t fight it off as well; your immunity drops, and your hormonal changes can affect your entire barrier of tooth protection. If you had good dental hygiene before pregnancy, simply maintain it. If you weren’t brushing as often as you should, try getting to brushing twice daily during pregnancy.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If you find that your toothbrush is irritating your gums, try using a soft bristle toothbrush.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you're experiencing the gag reflex due to morning sickness, get a smaller toothbrush (a kid's toothbrush is great for this).^{[4]XResearch source}
As you’re more susceptible to gum disease and inflammation during pregnancy don’t skimp on the flossing. Flossing is important to protect against periodontal disease and to remove plaque. ^{[5]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} If you are sensitive to strong tastes, use a flavorless floss.^{[6]XResearch source}
Not only will this promote the health of your baby, but it will also kelp you maintain healthy teeth during pregnancy. Sugary foods lead to the build up of plaque which can cause cavities and hurt your gum health.^{[7]XExpert SourceJoseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 9 April 2020.} With the sensitivity of gums during pregnancy, this is particularly important.^{[8]XResearch source}
Calcium is necessary for healthy teeth and a healthy pregnancy.^{[9]XResearch source} The daily amount of calcium you need while pregnant and breastfeeding is 1200mg. You can get this through food sources, including dairy, broccoli, spinach, and beans.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
This is the reason why it’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums when you are pregnant. These hormonal changes increase the risk of developing gum disease because it makes gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop, and this can affect the health of the unborn baby.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
6
Check for bleeding gums. You may have "pregnancy gingivitis," because you are more susceptible to gum disease during pregnancy. If you do have bleeding gums, you may need to see a dentist for treatment.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- You may experience a slight pain or burning in your gums, and your teeth may feel loose as a secondary effect of the increased inflammation.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Managing Dental Hygiene with Morning Sickness

Sometimes morning sickness can cause taste sensitivity during pregnancy. If you find yourself being sensitive to your normal toothpaste, try a blander one.^{[13]XResearch source} Ask your dentist for recommendations for the best bland toothpastes during pregnancy.^{[14]XResearch source}
Because of the acidity in stomach acid, it is really important to delay brushing teeth immediately after vomiting. The stomach acid is really damaging to your enamel. Rather wait and brush your teeth at your normal times. ^{[15]XResearch source}
3
Rinse with baking soda and water after morning sickness. If you vomit and you want to wash out your mouth, use baking soda and water, as this won’t damage the enamel. It will also help get rid of the taste of vomit.^{[16]XResearch source} Also, drinking a combination of baking soda and water can help ease the nausea.
- If you don't like the taste of baking soda, you can also use mouthwash.
This will help your mouth feel cleaner and will help remove acid from your mouth.^{[17]XResearch source} If you have a particularly sensitive gag reflex, you may want to wait until the nausea subsides before scraping the back of your tongue.^{[18]XResearch source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Going to the Dentist

Because the dentist will want to add extra protection during x-rays, it is important to tell your dentist about being pregnant. They may also want to change your treatment plan, especially if you have any procedures scheduled that aren’t necessary before the baby’s due.^{[19]XResearch source}
As with any doctor, it’s especially important to let them know what you are taking during pregnancy so as avoid any negative interactions that may harm the baby’s development. Make sure you do this before any procedures are undertaken or medications are prescribed.^{[20]XResearch source}
Getting your regular check up at the dentist is very important when you’re pregnant as you are at risk of worsened gingivitis and periodontal disease. When you’re at your checkup, make sure you let your hygienist or dentist know about any changes in your gums since becoming pregnant.^{[21]XExpert SourceJoseph Whitehouse, MA, DDS
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 9 April 2020.}
4
Get any urgent dental procedures done. It is safe to get most urgent dental procedures such as root canals during pregnancy. They will likely use less anesthesia, but will still want to make you comfortable, so don’t hesitate to tell them if you are uncomfortable during a procedure.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Any tooth pain or infection should be handled as soon as possible, because of the risk of bacteria spreading and endangering your pregnancy.
Because you don’t want to take any unnecessary risks, avoid cosmetic dental procedures until after the pregnancy.^{[23]XResearch source} Because risks of elective dental procedures during pregnancy are unknown, they are best avoided.^{[24]XResearch source}
During pregnancy, your mouth is more susceptible to gum disease and inflammation. Root planing and scaling can help treat periodontal disease. This is a procedure done by the dentist and is safe for pregnant people.^{[25]XResearch source}
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Have routine checkups.
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Beginning with the third month of pregnancy, the risk of influencing the baby through dental procedures lowers, but you should still take extreme caution.
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