Teeth and gums during pregnancy

Gums can respond more strongly to plaque

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the gums' response to plaque, with swelling and bleeding. This is a reason to discuss care with your dentist, not to stop brushing or assume that pregnancy explains every change.

Continue gentle brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and suitable cleaning between teeth. Ask for a demonstration and a review of your tools if cleaning hurts. Arrange an examination for a new swelling or an area that keeps bleeding.

Bleeding gums: causes, examination and treatment

Sources: Dental care during pregnancy · Pregnancy, nausea and tooth care

When nausea makes brushing difficult

If brushing triggers nausea, try a smaller brush head. If the taste is a problem, try a fluoride toothpaste you find easier to tolerate. Brush slowly and ask your dentist how to maintain twice-daily cleaning if nausea keeps getting in the way.

After vomiting, rinse with water and avoid brushing straight away. Stomach acid can damage enamel. Frequent vomiting or reflux needs an individual tooth-protection plan and discussion with the team overseeing your pregnancy. General dental advice should not turn into restrictions that prevent you from eating or drinking enough.

Sources: Pregnancy, nausea and tooth care · Pregnancy and gagging when brushing

Mention pregnancy when booking

Tell the team how many weeks pregnant you are, which medicines and supplements you take, and about complications or specific obstetric advice. Your dentist and pregnancy-care clinician can coordinate when needed. Tell the team if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable in the chair so your position can change or you can take a break.

Check-ups and necessary dental treatment can take place in any trimester. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that necessary dental X-rays and local anaesthesia can be used safely after individual assessment. There is no automatic need to wait for the second trimester or until after birth.

The treating team chooses the particular examination, procedure and medicine. This general principle does not make every sedative, drug or cosmetic procedure appropriate. Ask what is needed now and what can wait.

Sources: Dental care during pregnancy

Seek dental care for pain or swelling

Contact a dentist promptly for toothache, increasing swelling or suspected infection, and mention pregnancy. Delaying assessment can make the problem more complicated. Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or extensive swelling in the mouth, requires emergency medical help.

Do not choose an antibiotic or pain medicine solely from previous experience. Ask your dentist, doctor or pharmacist what is appropriate for your stage of pregnancy, other medicines and health. Do not stop prescribed treatment without speaking to the prescriber.

Sources: Dental care during pregnancy · Abscess and emergency signs

What research tells us about periodontitis and pregnancy

Researchers have studied a link between periodontitis and complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. Periodontitis affects the tissues that support the teeth. An observed link does not prove that it causes these complications. Treatment improves oral health but has not been shown to prevent premature birth.

As you prepare for birth, consider how to keep your own care routine afterwards. Our separate first-teeth guide covers the baby's needs. Payment and coverage depend on the country; a foreign source does not establish entitlement to free care in Bulgaria.

Sources: Dental care during pregnancy