Articles

Key takeaways

• Pregnancy hormones can make your gums sensitive and prone to bleeding.
• Good daily dental hygiene is important to prevent gum problems.
• You get free NHS dental care during pregnancy and for one year after birth.
• Always tell your dentist that you are pregnant before any treatment.

Why your dental health is extra important during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. Hormonal changes can increase blood flow to your gum tissues. This can make your gums more sensitive, swollen, or cause them to bleed.

This is a type of gum disease that can happen in pregnancy (pregnancy gingivitis). It happens because your body produces more of a hormone that supports your pregnancy (progesterone).

This hormone boosts the blood supply to your mouth. It also makes your gums more sensitive to bacteria and makes it easier for plaque to build up.

Why this matters for you and your baby

Looking after your gums is also good for your baby. While it is rare, severe gum disease has been linked with babies being born early.

Looking after your teeth and gums is a simple way to help keep you and your baby healthy. It can also ease any discomfort you might feel during pregnancy.

Good dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups are the best ways to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. If you have any concerns about your teeth and gums, contact a dentist.

Free NHS dental care is available to all pregnant people and for up to a year after the birth. If you are already registered with an NHS dentist, make sure you get regular check-ups.

Your guide to dental hygiene in pregnancy

Keeping your mouth healthy during pregnancy is important. Regular, thorough cleaning is key.

Daily dental care

Brush your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes. Use a fluoride toothpaste.

The amount of fluoride is measured in parts per million (ppm). You should look for one with 1,000 to 1,500ppm.

When you finish brushing, spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse your mouth.

If your gums continue to bleed, keep brushing twice a day and see your dentist or hygienist. Use a small-headed toothbrush with soft bristles.

This is best for sensitive gums and should be comfortable to hold. Brush in gentle circles, moving up and down.

Flos, or use an interdental brush, once a day to remove small bits of food from between your teeth. This helps to prevent plaque from building up.

Managing morning sickness and acid reflux

If you have been sick, do not brush your teeth straight away. This can wear away the surface of your teeth. The acid from being sick can soften your tooth enamel.

Rinse your mouth out with water or a fluoride mouthwash instead. This helps to flush away the acid. Wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour before you brush your teeth.

If a strong mint toothpaste affects you, try a different type. Look for plain, fruit, or mild-flavoured fluoride toothpastes. You could also try a toothpaste that is free from a common foaming agent (sodium lauryl sulphate, or SLS). They are often available in mild or no flavour.

If a toothbrush triggers symptoms, you may find applying your toothpaste with your finger helpful.

Dietary tips for healthy teeth and gums

Avoid having sugary drinks, such as fizzy drinks or sweet tea, too often. Also, try to limit sugary foods. Keep them mainly to mealtimes.

If you are hungry between meals, choose healthy snacks. Try foods like vegetables, fresh fruit, or plain yoghurt.

Avoid sugary or acidic foods for snacks. You should also stick to alcohol-free mouthwashes to reduce plaque.

Accessing professional dental care when you're pregnant

Dental care is free for pregnant people during pregnancy and for a year after birth. To get free NHS dental treatment, you will need a valid maternity exemption certificate (often called a MatEx).

Getting your maternity exemption certificate

You can get your maternity exemption certificate from your midwife or GP. You can also ask a doctor, nurse, or health visitor for help. They will help you make an application.

For a paper application, you will need to complete parts 1 and 2 of form FW8. Your doctor, midwife, or nurse will sign it to confirm your information.

With a digital application, you will get your certificate by email straight away. Otherwise, you will get a paper certificate in the post.

Your certificate lasts for 12 months after your due date. If your baby is born early, you can continue to use the certificate until it expires.

If your baby is born late, you can apply for an extension. If you apply after your baby is born, your certificate will last for 12 months after your baby's birth date.

If you have a miscarriage or stillbirth, you can continue to use your certificate until it expires. You can also use a stillbirth certificate to get free NHS dental treatment for 12 months after your due date.

Finding a dentist

If you are already registered with an NHS dentist, make sure you get regular check-ups during pregnancy. If you do not already have a dentist, now is a good time to register with one.

You can search for an NHS dentist near you online. The NHS Patient Claims team can answer any questions about dental care entitlements.

What to expect during a dental visit

When you go to the dentist, make sure they know you are pregnant. Your dentist can help you keep any gum disease under control.

Discuss with your dentist whether any new or replacement fillings should be delayed until after your baby is born. The Department of Health and Social Care advises that silver-coloured fillings (amalgam fillings) should not be removed during pregnancy. If you need a dental X-ray, your dentist will usually wait until you have had your baby. This is even though most dental X-rays do not affect the tummy or pelvic area.