Pregnancy and Your Teeth

Pregnancy and Your Teeth

Did you know that your gums are more prone to gum disease when you’re pregnant?

We’ve put some tips together for looking after your teeth while pregnant to help avoid gum disease and tooth decay.

Gum Disease

Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, gums can become more sensitive, which leads to increased inflammation and bleeding and risk of gum disease. We commonly refer to this as pregnancy gingivitis/gum disease. If left untreated, it can develop into full Periodontal Disease, which infects the bone and other tissue supporting the teeth.

It is important therefore to keep the teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible, even more so during pregnancy. The best way is to continue to practice good oral hygiene techniques and maybe to give your teeth a good extra clean reaching in to the hard to reach areas. Keep a close eye on your gums and watch out for bleeding and swelling.

Morning Sickness

If you’re unlucky enough to develop morning sickness, then you may be keen to reach for the toothbrush after to freshen your breath.  When you are sick, you expose your teeth to acid and by brushing your teeth straight away you are adding to the damage as the acid from your stomach will have softened the enamel on your teeth. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Diet

You will have no-end of advice on what to eat and not to eat during pregnancy and for further information on these visit the HSE’s pages on pregnancy care.  

The big food and drink offenders when it comes to your teeth are food and drinks high in sugar, alcohol and caffeine.  We would recommend avoiding these whether pregnant or not!

–          Dental work during pregnancy

Most dentists will try to avoid doing anything other than basic dental work during pregnancy. It is safe to continue to visit your dentist and hygienist for a check up and routine dental work. However, if more serious work is necessary then make sure to plan it carefully to ensure you and your baby’s safety.  Dental X Rays should be avoided while pregnant.

Most importantly Please make sure you tell your dentist you are pregnant.

Useful Links:

For information on your dental care options visit the HSE’s site.

For tips and advice on healthy eating, visit Safefood Ireland.

List of all Dental Care Ireland practices.