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    Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

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  • Pregnancy and you blog

  • June 2, 2009

    Dental health during pregnancy

    By Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.

16 comments posted

Dental health during pregnancy isn't a glamorous topic, but it's an important one. Misconceptions and misinformation about dental health during pregnancy are common — and often these issues aren't discussed at prenatal appointments.

Consider possible dental health problems during pregnancy:

  • Tooth decay. During pregnancy, increased acidity in the mouth increases the risk of tooth decay. Vomiting during pregnancy can aggravate the problem by exposing the teeth to more gastric acid.
  • Loose teeth. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen can affect the ligaments and bones that support the teeth, causing teeth to loosen during pregnancy — even in the absence of gum disease.
  • Gum disease. The hormonal changes of pregnancy can lead to gingivitis, an inflammation of the superficial gum tissue. Left untreated, severe gum disease may be associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.

So what can you do to keep your teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy? Stick to the basics. Use a soft bristled toothbrush. Floss regularly. Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda and water after vomiting. Mix one teaspoon baking soda in one cup water.

Ideally, schedule a dental exam before pregnancy to treat any dental problems ahead of time. Also visit your dentist regularly during pregnancy — especially if you develop a dental problem. If you have questions or concerns about dental care during pregnancy, you can also check with your health care provider.

16 comments posted

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  • September 28, 2012 7:49 a.m.

    Your site has some really helpful information. We invite you to read our articles about oral health topics and comment on our blog at http://www.dentalinsurance.org/blog/index.php/2012/09/5-oral-health-resources-for-expectant-mothers/.

    - Jen L.

  • June 25, 2012 11:17 a.m.

    Thanks for sharing

    - Marielaina

  • June 5, 2012 1:09 p.m.

    Interesting information for mothers-to-be!

    -

  • May 16, 2012 11:12 a.m.

    this is a great blog. awesome info!

    -

  • April 16, 2012 12:27 p.m.

    DeeDee you can end up needing more dental care than you want if you let this go too long. You can end up with infection in the roots. If you don't get it done, you could be pregnant, miserable and missing a tooth.

    - Mary@Mayo

  • April 9, 2012 8:08 p.m.

    omg, i have a tooth which is in the very back of my mouth the has a hole in it and it is moving upward!...I guess since it seems to be safe since im in my second trimester tht i will make an appoinment to see the dentist!...but im a freak whn im pregnant and will not even take tylenol or tums. If i dont get this done, i will be spending my summer pregnant and miserable.

    - DeeDee

  • July 16, 2011 8:24 p.m.

    are cavity freezing and fillings safe to get when pregnant ?

    - carla

  • April 11, 2011 5:29 p.m.

    I think your current practice is fine. Dental X-rays are very focused on a small area.

    - Mary @ Mayo

  • April 7, 2011 9:22 p.m.

    I need professional advice..I am a dental assistant, 6 weeks pregnant. I take dental xrays every day, I do not wear a shield but do stand behind a wall ( regular wall) to press the botton. how safe or unsafe is that? should I be concerned?

    - N.M

  • March 25, 2011 3:26 p.m.

    I am in very early days of first trimester (around 45 days) of pregnancy.I am sensing pain in the gums and tooth sensitivity is very high which makes me to chew my food only on one side.In the past few days,it is really getting worse.Should I consult a dentist or bear with the pain by using mouth wash?Please advice me!

    - Prabha

  • January 16, 2011 6:34 p.m.

    What if you have a cavity during pregnancy? Is there anything that the dentist normally would do that is not appropriate/healthy when you're pregnant?

    - Sally

  • July 4, 2010 10:37 a.m.

    There are many dental issues facing pregnant women, the most common being dental cavities and gingivitis. Prevention is key and pregnant women should visit their vaughan dentist during the early stages of their pregnancy.

    - No name given

  • March 25, 2010 1:49 p.m.

    Dental neglect can lead to many problems. Many of us (myself included) have an eversion to dentists. During pregnancy especially our dislike of dentists and procedures has to be put away. No matter the problem, a dentist can take care of it during pregnancy. Who would ever think that dental problems could harm the unborn baby, but they can. Remember, bursh twice daily and floss every day. Even though you may experience some bleeding from your gums, keep up the good tooth and gum care.

    - Mary@Mayo

  • March 1, 2010 1:17 p.m.

    Heard a talk from a NYC dentist about this - she said dental neglect by moms-to-be has been linked to low-birthweight, pre-term delivery and gestational diabetes. She assured us that today's dental treatments, even x-rays and anesthesia, are safe for mom and baby and will help assure the health of both mother and growing child.

    - George

  • October 8, 2009 3:40 p.m.

    I have a teeth problem such as caries and I want to know if I can cure my teeth to the dentist with the dental substancies? Thanks in advance

    - Diana

  • July 7, 2009 1:13 a.m.

    It's important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of developing gum disease, which in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.

    - Rocky

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