Pregnancy Oral Health Updates and Advice
During pregnancy, there are so many things to worry about before your little bundle of joy arrives on the scene: remembering to take prenatal vitamins even though everything makes you nauseous, which is the safest car seat to get, find the perfect baby name, if you’re eating too many pickles, and why they weirdly taste good with ice cream (don’t ask how that combo idea came up). Many people forget about their pregnancy oral health unless they have a problem.
Believe it or not, your teeth and gums are also on the 9-month journey with you. Thanks to the overabundance of hormones, your mouth may be behaving a little differently. The best news about all this is that most pregnancy-related dental issues are preventable. Also, pregnancy dental advice in 2026 is far more reassuring than it was a decade ago.
Let’s talk about what expectant moms really need to know about pregnancy and oral health.
When is the best time to visit your dentist or hygienist during pregnancy?
Did your mom or older friend tell you that you should not go to the dentist in the first or third trimester? Guess what, that is no longer a concern. Routine dental care is considered safe during all 9 months. An untreated dental infection poses more of a risk to the mother and baby than not seeing your dental professional during this time.
With that being said, why does it seem that many dentists prefer scheduling elective dental procedures during the second trimester (rather than the first or third trimester)? Because, usually you will be less nauseous and have less discomfort being reclined in the dental chair.
Pregnancy Oral Health - What About Dental X-rays and Anesthesia?
Modern digital X-rays are very low in radiation, and with the proper protective safety gear provided by all dental offices, dental X-rays can be taken if necessary.
Local anesthetics such as lidocaine are considered safe when used correctly.
When in doubt about any of these issues, your dentist can help give you peace of mind. Don’t skip dental care because you’re pregnant. All parts of you deserve to be healthy and cared for.
Pregnancy Oral Health - Common Problems
Your pregnancy doesn’t automatically cause oral health problems, but it does increase your risk for some conditions due to increased production of hormones.
Here are some common things that can happen during pregnancy:
- Your gums may be tender and bleed more easily when flossing or brushing. Don’t stop brushing and flossing, though. Try to be gentle and know that this will pass.
- Pregnancy gingivitis. The fluctuations in your hormones may make your gums more sensitive to plaque, which may lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding. This is very common and may show up anytime between the second and eighth months.
- Cavities may suddenly become a problem. For many women, the only time they ever had a cavity was during pregnancy. Between morning sickness, frequent snacks to help with the morning sickness, and even acid exposure if you’re throwing up a lot, all increase the risk of cavities. Make sure to rinse with water often during any of these episodes to lessen the risk of tooth decay.
4. Periodontal disease is a severe problem. This type of dental gum disease complication is associated with pre-term birth and low birth weight. There is much research still being done in this area, but overall, if you have this condition, it’s very important to keep your gums as healthy as possible during your pregnancy.
5. Pregnancy tumors on your gums are known as Pyogenic Granulomas. These harmless tumors may cause alarm, but they are generally painless and usually disappear after giving birth. They only need treatment if they interfere with eating or brushing your teeth.
Pregnancy Oral Health - How to Protect Yourself
Here are a few things you may or may not know that can help during your pregnancy to prevent some of the above-listed oral health issues.
- Brush twice daily. If nausea makes brushing a challenge, try a different flavoured toothpaste or brushing with baking soda.
- Floss at least once a day (even if your gums bleed)
- If you have morning sickness and throw up, rinse your mouth afterwards. You can make a mild rinse with a solution of water and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Don’t brush your teeth until at least 20-30 minutes have passed to protect your teeth enamel.
- It can be challenging to find food items that don’t trigger morning sickness symptoms but try, if you can, to eat a decently balanced diet of fruits, veggies, food items with calcium, and Vitamin D.
Pregnancy Oral Health - A Happy Smile is Part of the Journey
Your pregnancy is not a time to “power through” dental pain or put off care. Bleeding gums and pain in your mouth are not just something inconvenient; they are a signal that your pregnancy oral health need some attention, too. Let us help you address these issues early so we can help prevent further problems later. This protects both you and your baby, making postpartum life a little easier.
If you are pregnant or planning to be, let our office staff know. Together, with your healthcare providers, we can all ensure your smile stays healthy from day one.
Read next: What you need to know about baby teeth