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Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary change, and one area that often gets overlooked is oral health. While you may be focused on prenatal vitamins and doctor’s visits, your teeth and gums deserve attention too. There’s growing evidence that oral health during pregnancy can influence outcomes like preterm birth, low birth weight, and gestational complications. Good oral health can support a healthier pregnancy and set the stage for your and your baby’s future oral health.
Common Oral Conditions During Pregnancy
Pregnancy gingivitis is the most common oral condition during pregnancy. Elevated levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can increase blood flow to gums, making them more susceptible to gingivitis (gum inflammation). If left untreated, this mild form of gum disease can progress to periodontitis, a more serious infection that damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.
Pyogenic granulomas are another condition that some pregnant women may experience. Hormones, especially estrogen, can stimulate the growth of blood vessels, contributing to the development of pyogenic granulomas. These benign growths typically appear along the gumline and can bleed easily or cause discomfort. They’re not dangerous and usually go away after childbirth, but they can interfere with eating and brushing if left untreated.
Cavities are more likely during pregnancy, in part because morning sickness may result in a reluctance to brush and/or floss. Enamel erosion can also occur when teeth are repeatedly exposed to stomach acid, making teeth more sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.
And dry mouth, common during pregnancy, further contributes to dental issues by reducing the cleansing effect of saliva. All these conditions underscore the importance of good daily hygiene and early professional care.
Impact on Maternal and Infant Health
The link between oral health and overall health is well established, and during pregnancy, it’s even more critical. Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth; it may affect your pregnancy. Research has linked untreated periodontal disease with a higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Although more research is needed to fully understand the connection, inflammation and harmful oral bacteria are thought to play a role in triggering these complications.
Medical and dental organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) agree that dental care during pregnancy is not only safe but essential. Maintaining oral health can reduce systemic inflammation and help safeguard both you and your developing baby.
Safe Dental Care During Pregnancy
Many people are surprised to learn that dental treatments are safe at any point in pregnancy. Regular cleanings and exams are recommended throughout all trimesters. Common procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions can be performed when necessary, and X-rays are considered safe when appropriate shielding is used.
The second trimester is often the preferred time for dental visits because morning sickness usually subsides, and you’re generally more comfortable lying back in the dental chair. However, care should not be delayed if you’re experiencing pain or infection. Emergency dental work should be addressed as soon as possible, regardless of the trimester.
Cosmetic procedures like whitening are typically postponed until after delivery. Dentists may also coordinate with your obstetrician if extensive treatment is needed to ensure everything aligns with your prenatal care.
Note that you should always turn to your own medical team for guidance. The above is general information, your healthcare providers are far better positioned to advise you on your personal healthcare needs.
Practical Tips for Expectant Parents
Pregnancy-friendly oral care starts with consistent daily habits. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to reduce plaque and help prevent gingivitis. If you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth with plain water to protect your enamel without potentially causing more damage by brushing your teeth when the enamel is in a weakened state due to exposure to stomach acid.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support saliva production. When choosing snacks, opt for nutrient-rich, low-sugar options. These support oral and overall health without feeding cavity-causing bacteria with its favorite food – simple carbs that quickly break down into sugar.
Red Flags to Watch For
While some oral discomfort is normal during pregnancy, certain symptoms may signal the need for professional care. If your gums bleed frequently, appear red and swollen, or feel tender to the touch, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental visit. Pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, persistent mouth sores, or visible enamel erosion are also signs that you should see the dentist ASAP.
Early detection is key. Addressing issues promptly can prevent them from becoming more serious and help avoid complications that may impact your pregnancy.
How Maternal Oral Health Affects Baby’s Future Smile
Your oral health habits can have lasting effects—not just for you, but for your child as well. After birth, cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from parent to baby through shared utensils, pacifiers cleaned in your mouth, blowing on food, or kisses on the lips. This process, known as vertical transmission in the context of oral health, can increase a child’s risk of early childhood tooth decay.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene during pregnancy reduces the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and lowers the likelihood of passing them to your child. After birth, clean your baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings, and begin brushing their teeth with a small toothbrush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth appears. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
By caring for your own smile during pregnancy, you’re laying the foundation for your child’s lifelong dental health.
Healthy Smiles, Happy Babies
Oral health is a vital part of a healthy pregnancy. From hormonal changes to dietary shifts, your mouth undergoes more changes than you might expect during this time. Fortunately, with the right habits and timely dental care, you can protect your smile and help reduce the risk of complications.
Dental care is considered to be safe during pregnancy, and addressing issues like gingivitis, cavities, and enamel erosion early helps ensure both your comfort and your baby’s well-being. Daily brushing and flossing, smart dietary choices, and professional cleanings go a long way in supporting a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy can also bring increased expenses, and you may think dental care is unaffordable now. To reduce the costs of dental care, consider joining a dental savings plan. Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care.
Dental savings plans are a trusted alternative to dental insurance. They activate quickly, within 72 hours of purchase, with emergency same-day activation available on many plans. Unlike dental insurance, dental savings plans do not have annual limits on how much you can save and even offer savings on procedures to treat long standing dental problems.
Want to find out how much you can save on a dental with a dental savings plan? Use the calculator below.
*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.
