Pregnancy changes a lot in the body – including in the mouth. Most of it is harmless and temporary, but it does call for a little more attention than usual.
Why gums become more sensitive
Hormonal changes mean the gums receive more blood flow and react more strongly to bacterial plaque. Many pregnant women notice their gums looking swollen and bleeding when brushing, even though nothing has changed about their care routine. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis.
It's common and usually resolves after birth. Still, it should be taken seriously: inflammation that persists for months can progress into the tooth-supporting structures. A link between pronounced periodontitis and an increased risk of premature birth is also discussed. That's one more reason to clean between your teeth consistently and keep your check-up appointments right now.
After nausea: don't brush right away
If vomiting occurs, stomach acid reaches the teeth and briefly softens the enamel. Reaching for the toothbrush immediately wears away tooth structure.
This sequence is better:
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, ideally with a pinch of baking soda or a fluoride mouthwash.
- Wait about 30 minutes before brushing.
- In the meantime, sugar-free gum helps: it stimulates saliva flow, and saliva neutralises the acid.
If nausea makes brushing difficult in general, a mild-tasting toothpaste and a smaller brush can help. Brushing briefly and gently is better than not brushing at all.
Which treatments are possible
Pregnancy is no reason to postpone necessary treatment – quite the opposite: untreated inflammation is more of a burden than treating it. Please do tell us in any case that you're pregnant, and in which week.
The second trimester is considered the most favourable window for planned procedures. In the first trimester we usually limit treatment to what's necessary, and in the last trimester lying on your back for a long time often becomes uncomfortable.
Anaesthesia and X-rays
With the right choice of agent, local anaesthesia is possible during pregnancy too – enduring pain is the worse alternative. We only take X-rays if they're strictly necessary for treatment; modern digital technology uses very low doses, and the abdomen is shielded. Purely precautionary images are postponed until after birth.
The same applies to medication: talk to us before taking anything. Not every over-the-counter painkiller is suitable during pregnancy.
And afterwards: your child's teeth
Decay-causing bacteria aren't present from birth – babies usually pick them up from their closest caregivers. The classic route of transmission is shared cutlery, a licked pacifier, or a shared spoon.
If you avoid that and get your own oral health in order before giving birth, you give your child a genuine head start. The child's own dental care then begins with the first baby tooth.
In short: tell us you're pregnant. Take bleeding gums seriously, clean between your teeth consistently. Rinse after vomiting and wait 30 minutes before brushing. Don't postpone necessary treatment – planned procedures are best in the second trimester.