Dental care is very important in pregnancy; it impacts your overall health and that of your growing baby.

Pregnancy is physiologically huge! If you’ve been through it, you’ll know what we mean, but if you haven't, there are lots of surprises along the way, from how the hormones can permanently change the size of your feet (seriously) to a bleeding nose and even looser teeth. Whatever you know about caring for your oral health in pregnancy, you may be considering upping your game in this part of your personal hygiene regimen, and if you’re still not convinced, let us give you the lowdown on why you should brush up.

Why is it important to take care of your teeth when trying to conceive?

Oral health significantly impacts your overall health. Research shows that practicing good oral health habits can even help those trying to conceive. Here are some reasons why:

Inflammation and infection: gum disease causes chronic inflammation, which can affect ovulation and embryo implantation.

Systemic Health: Poor oral health is linked to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which can impair fertility.

Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can worsen gum disease, while untreated gum disease can affect conception due to increased inflammation.

Assisted Conception: Women with poor oral health may have lower success rates with IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies.

Can pregnancy hormones impact your teeth and gums?

Yes, pregnancy hormones can impact your teeth and gums in the following ways:

Gingivitis: Hormones can cause gums to become red, puffy, and bleed more easily. Gingivitis is especially common in the seventh and eighth months of pregnancy.
Periodontal Disease: Untreated gingivitis can progress to serious gum disease.
Tooth decay: changes in diet and increased acidity from morning sickness raise the risk of cavities.
Pregnancy Tumours: non-cancerous bulbous growths on gums that can cause discomfort. They are not dangerous and are usually temporary, often disappearing after

How should I protect my teeth and gums in pregnancy?

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial during pregnancy. Snacking frequently in pregnancy is normal, and it’s important that the sugars from foods form acids that attack the enamel and cause tooth decay over time.

Some pregnant women find their gag reflex is more sensitive in pregnancy and find brushing their teeth and flossing difficult to stomach. Hard though this may be, it’s important to stick to your routine. Studies have shown that your oral health can impact the health of your baby, even relating poor oral health to preeclampsia, low birth weight, and premature labour.

If you are vomiting regularly as a result of morning sickness or have acid reflux, try not to brush your teeth immediately afterwards, as the acids that remain will make the activity more sensitising and scratch the tooth enamel. Regular exposure to stomach acid causes cavities. Instead, rinse your mouth with plain water and follow up with a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Do not use antacids without speaking to your doctor or midwife.

A toothbrush needs replacement when bristles begin to spread. Get a new toothbrush or electric toothbrush at the beginning of each trimester.

High levels of progesterone and oestrogen may loosen the bones and teeth that hold your teeth in place, causing them to loosen. This typically goes away after pregnancy, and maintaining good hygiene and nutritional habits can help to keep your teeth in place. Still, any dental problems should be reported to your dentist as quickly as possible in pregnancy. Tell your dentist about all the medications you are taking during your dental consultation or hygiene treatments, including vitamins and over-the-counter medication.

Can I have dental work during pregnancy?

Routine dental work is both safe and recommended in pregnancy. Many women worry about dental X-rays during pregnancy—a standard part of dental work—because of the radiation exposure. Dental X-rays are widely considered safe with proper shielding, and because the benefits to you and your baby of treating a dental condition properly are so significant, you should seek treatment for any dental problems as quickly as possible.

Good nutrition is also supporting your baby, including their dental development. A baby's tooth development begins in utero around the sixth week of pregnancy. During this time, the basic structures of the teeth start forming, and by the third to fourth month, hard tissue begins to develop. Proper maternal nutrition, including adequate intake of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and folic acid, is essential for healthy fetal tooth development. For more on caring for yourself in pregnancy, take Unii’s week-by-week Pregnancy Journey with award-winning obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Shree Datta.

Why is taking care of my teeth so important in pregnancy?

Good oral hygiene is especially important when you're pregnant.