BHC home - health and medical information for consumers

Health and medical information for consumers, quality assured by the Victorian government (Australia).

10 February, 2010

Home > Fact sheets by category > Diseases and conditions > Teeth > General > Teeth and pregnancy.

Health information

Resources and tools

Healthy eating

Find help

Teeth and pregnancy

Pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth. The old wives’ tale that warns a woman to expect a lost tooth for every baby is false. If the mother’s intake of calcium is inadequate during pregnancy, her bones – not her teeth – will provide the calcium her growing baby needs. This calcium loss is quickly made up after breastfeeding is stopped.

However, the demands of pregnancy can lead to particular dental problems in some women. With proper hygiene at home and professional help from your dentist, your teeth should remain healthy throughout the pregnancy.

Your dental health can affect your baby
Research has found a link between gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth. Babies who are born prematurely may risk a range of health conditions including cerebral palsy and problems with eyesight and hearing.

Estimates suggest that about 18 out of every 100 premature births may be triggered by periodontal disease, which is a chronic infection of the gums. Appropriate dental treatment for the expectant mother can reduce the risk of premature birth by more than 80 per cent, according to one study.

Pre-pregnancy dental health
You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits. Suggestions include:

Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss between your teeth.
Visit your dentist regularly.

If you are planning on getting pregnant, see your dentist. It may be more convenient to have elective procedures (or procedures that involve the use of x-rays) done before you conceive. For example, new dental amalgam fillings or the replacement of old fillings may need to wait until after the first trimester.

Inform your dentist
Tell your dentist that you are pregnant. Pregnancy may affect your dental care. For example, the dentist may defer x-rays until after the birth. If dental x-rays are unavoidable, the dentist can take extra precautions to ensure your baby’s safety. If your dental condition requires general anaesthesia or drugs, see your obstetrician for advice.

Common causes of dental health problems
Common causes of dental health problems during pregnancy can include:

Gum problems
Vomiting
Cravings for sugary foods
Retching while brushing teeth.

Gum problems
The hormones associated with pregnancy can make some women susceptible to gum problems including:

Swelling
Bleeding, particularly while brushing the teeth
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) – this is more likely to occur during the second trimester
Undiagnosed or untreated periodontal disease – pregnancy may exacerbate this chronic gum infection, which is caused by untreated gingivitis and can lead to tooth loss. This can manifest as gingival swellings, know as pregnancy epulis, which may or may not resolve once your baby is born.

Tell your dentist about any gum problems that you might have. Switch to a softer toothbrush and brush your teeth regularly, at least twice every day. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride (if you’re not already) to help strengthen your teeth against decay.

If you had gum problems during pregnancy, it is important to get your gums checked by a dentist after you have given birth. While most types of gum problems caused by pregnancy hormones resolve after birth, a small number of women may have developed a deeper level of gum disease that will need treatment to resolve.

Vomiting
Pregnancy hormones soften the ring of muscle that keeps food inside the stomach. Gastric reflux (regurgitating food or drink) or the vomiting associated with morning sickness can coat your teeth with strong stomach acids. Repeated reflux and vomiting can damage tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay.

Suggestions include:

Don’t brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. While the teeth are covered in stomach acids, the vigorous action of the toothbrush may scratch the tooth enamel.
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water.
Follow up with a fluoridated mouthwash.
If you don’t have a fluoridated mouthwash, put a dab of fluoridated toothpaste on your finger and smear it over your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Brush your teeth an hour after vomiting.

Retching while brushing teeth
Some pregnant women find that brushing their teeth, particularly the molars, provokes retching. However, you risk tooth decay if you don’t brush regularly. Suggestions include:

Use a brush with a small head, such as a brush made for toddlers.
Take your time. Slow down your brushing action.
It may help to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.
Try other distractions, such as listening to music.
If the taste of the toothpaste seems to provoke your gag reflex, switch to another brand. Alternatively, brush your teeth with water and follow up with a fluoridated mouthwash. Go back to brushing with fluoridated toothpaste as soon as you can.

Food cravings
Some women experience unusual food cravings (and food aversions) while they are pregnant. A regular desire for sugary snacks may increase your risk of tooth decay. Try to snack on low sugar foods instead. If nothing but sweetness will satisfy your craving, try to sometimes choose healthier options such as fresh fruits. Rinse your mouth with water or milk or brush your teeth after having sugary snacks.

Increase your intake of calcium
You need to increase your daily intake of calcium during pregnancy. Sufficient calcium will protect your bone mass and meet the nutritional needs of your developing baby. Good sources of dietary calcium include low fat versions of products such as:

Milk
Cheese
Yoghurt
Calcium-fortified soymilk.

Increase your intake of vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body to utilise calcium. Good sources include:

Cheese
Margarine
Fatty fish, such as salmon
Eggs.

Where to get help

Your dentist
Your doctor
Obstetrician
Australian Dental Association, Victorian Branch Tel. (03) 9826 8318

Things to remember

The demands of pregnancy can lead to particular dental problems in some women.
Estimates suggest that about 18 out of every 100 premature births may be triggered by periodontal disease, which is a chronic infection of the gums.
You are less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you already have good oral hygiene habits.

You might also be interested in:
Dental fillings.
Pregnancy and diet.
Pregnancy and exercise.
Pregnancy and smoking.
Pregnancy and sport.
Pregnancy and travel.
Teeth - wisdom teeth.
Teeth care.

Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)