Note: This article is for general information purposes and does not replace individual dental advice.
Pregnancy and dental health are more closely linked than many people think. Hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive, nausea can make oral hygiene more difficult, and the need for calcium increases. The good news: with the right care and regular dental visits, you can keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy.
How does pregnancy affect the teeth?
Pregnancy gingivitis
The most common dental problem during pregnancy: the rise in oestrogen and progesterone increases the blood supply to the gums, which react more sensitively to bacterial plaque. As a result, the gums swell, redden and bleed when brushing. A large proportion of pregnant women develop pregnancy gingivitis.
Pregnancy gingivitis usually subsides after the birth. Left untreated, however, it can develop into periodontitis, which causes lasting damage to the tissues that hold the teeth in place.
Increased risk of tooth decay
Several factors increase the risk of tooth decay during pregnancy:
- Nausea and vomiting: Stomach acid attacks the tooth enamel
- Changed eating habits: More frequent, smaller meals and cravings for sweets
- Changed saliva: The composition of the saliva can change, reducing its natural protective function
- Limited oral hygiene: A gag reflex can make thorough brushing more difficult
Is it true that every child costs a tooth?
This old saying is not correct. The body does not take calcium from the teeth for the baby. Dental problems during pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes and changed oral hygiene – not by a loss of calcium. With good dental care, tooth loss during pregnancy can usually be avoided.
Visiting the dentist during pregnancy
When to see the dentist?
- At the start of pregnancy: Ideally arrange a check-up in the first trimester
- Second trimester (weeks 13–27): The best time for dental treatment. The critical first phase is over, and the belly is not yet too large for comfortable positioning
- If you have symptoms: Always have toothache or heavy bleeding gums treated promptly – an untreated infection is riskier than dental treatment
What is allowed and what is not?
- X-rays: Only taken during pregnancy when urgently necessary. Digital X-rays with a lead apron are possible for diagnostics that cannot be postponed. In any case, please tell us about your pregnancy
- Local anaesthesia: Anaesthetics such as articaine can generally be used safely during pregnancy
- Teeth cleaning: A professional teeth cleaning is expressly recommended during pregnancy
- Fillings: Composite fillings can be placed. Amalgam is in any case no longer used in the EU
- Bleaching: Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Elective procedures: Non-urgent treatments (veneers, implants) are postponed until after the pregnancy
Dental care tips for pregnant women
Daily oral hygiene
- Brush thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush
- Use dental floss or interdental brushes every day – especially important when the gums are swollen
- Additionally use a fluoride mouth rinse to strengthen the tooth enamel
Nausea and vomiting
- After vomiting, do not brush your teeth straight away – the stomach acid has softened the tooth enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride solution
- Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth
- If you have a strong gag reflex: use a smaller toothbrush and switch toothpaste (milder flavour)
Diet for healthy teeth
- Calcium-rich foods: Dairy products, green vegetables, nuts
- Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption (sunlight, oily fish, a supplement if necessary after consulting your doctor)
- Limit sugar: Satisfy cravings with tooth-friendly alternatives where possible
- Drink water: Rinses away acids and sugar and stimulates the flow of saliva
Your baby's dental health
Did you know? Your child's tooth development begins as early as the 6th week of pregnancy. A balanced diet with sufficient calcium, phosphate and vitamins supports the healthy tooth development of your baby.
After the birth, it is important to minimise the transfer of decay-causing bacteria to the child: avoid licking the baby's dummy or spoon, and take care of your own oral health.
Advice at our practice
As an expectant mother, you are in good hands at our practice in Düsseldorf. We advise you on dental care during pregnancy, carry out gentle treatments and plan together with you what should be treated before and what after the birth. Get in touch: 0211 – 497 67 69.
This article is for general information purposes and does not replace professional dental advice. If you have symptoms, please contact your dentist.
