Pregnancy is a time when oral health requires special attention. Hormonal changes affect the condition of teeth and gums, so proper hygiene becomes a priority. See how to effectively care for your teeth during pregnancy!

Why is oral hygiene so important during pregnancy?

Research confirms the link between periodontal disease and pregnancy complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia [1]. Proper hygiene during pregnancy is not only about your comfort but also your baby's safety.

SEE ALSO: How to care for your teeth? 10 steps to a healthy smile and effective cavity protection

Hormones and gum health

During pregnancy, hormones make gums more sensitive. Blood flow increases, and gums react more strongly to plaque (deposits). Even a small amount of plaque can cause inflammation [2]. About 60-75% of expectant mothers experience so-called "pregnancy gingivitis" with symptoms like redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing [3]. Regular teeth cleaning is crucial for healthy gums.

Common dental problems during pregnancy

Tooth sensitivity

Morning sickness and vomiting, common in the first trimester, increase acidity in the mouth. Stomach acids weaken enamel, leading to sensitivity and susceptibility to cavities. How to strengthen teeth during pregnancy? Use toothpastes with a high fluoride content (at least 1450 ppm) and for sensitivity relief [4]. Rinsing the mouth with water before brushing helps remove stomach acids.

Tooth decay

During pregnancy, many women change their eating habits – snacking more often, eating sweets or acidic foods, and some experience cravings for unusual products. These changes, combined with more frequent snacking and potentially less attention to hygiene (due to nausea or fatigue), create ideal conditions for cavity development. 

Additionally, increased saliva production with altered composition can affect the pH balance in the mouth [5]. Regular dental check-ups during pregnancy allow early detection and stopping of cavity development. Remember, cavities in the mother increase the risk of dental problems in the child. [6]

Daily dental care during pregnancy

The table below presents key methods for maintaining dental health during pregnancy:

Implementing these strategies significantly reduces the risk of dental problems during pregnancy.

The most important thing is daily brushing and flossing. During this time, we recommend using professional devices that will help the expectant mother maintain oral hygiene during this demanding period. 

You can replace floss with a modern irrigator, ZENT® Stream+, which is gentler on the gums and reduces the risk of micro-injuries and bleeding. Daily brushing is easier with the ZENT® SoniQ+ sonic rotating toothbrush with a 60° rotational movement.Simultaneous oscillation and vibration remove plaque and bacteria more effectively than standard electric toothbrushes. Additionally, the toothbrush has programmed movements characteristic of the Modified Bass method, recommended worldwide by dentists. 

SEE ALSO: Which oral hygiene accessories to choose – toothbrushes, floss, irrigators, or maybe something more?

Dental visits during pregnancy

Regular check-ups and treatment

Can you have dental treatment during pregnancy? Definitely yes! It is recommended to have a dental check-up at least once every 6 months during pregnancy. The second trimester (weeks 14-28) is the best time for routine procedures because organogenesis (the process of organ formation) is already complete, and the belly is not yet large enough to make lying in the dental chair difficult. [7]

In emergencies such as pain, swelling, or infection, treatment is safe and necessary at any stage of pregnancy and should not be postponed. Untreated tooth and gum infections can be much more dangerous for the course of pregnancy and fetal development than the dental procedure itself. [8] 

Dental treatment is considered safe during pregnancy, but keep in mind that its planning varies depending on the trimester [9]:

Regarding diagnostics and medications:

• X-ray images – if needed, it can be performed using special abdominal shields, but this reduction is minimal and does not significantly affect health risks, especially with modern imaging techniques and low diagnostic doses [10],

• local anesthesia – agents like lidocaine are safe to use during pregnancy [11],

• antibiotics – if necessary, penicillin, amoxicillin, or cephalosporins can be used [12].

• painkillers – paracetamol is considered a safe pain reliever during pregnancy [13]. However, it should not be overused.

Always remember to inform your dentist about pregnancy, even if you only suspect it. This allows for treatment plans to be adjusted and the safest procedures and medications to be chosen.

Prevention during pregnancy

Professional teeth cleaning is safe and highly recommended during pregnancy. Regular removal of tartar and bacterial biofilm helps prevent gum inflammation, which—as we know—can worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes [14]. 

SEE ALSO: What health benefits come from regular use of a sonic toothbrush?

Diet for healthy teeth during pregnancy

A proper diet during pregnancy is fundamental not only for the overall health of mother and child but also for oral health. Nutrient demands increase during pregnancy to build and strengthen tooth tissues.

Key ingredients for dental health during pregnancy

Choose products rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein: dairy, green leafy vegetables, nuts, sesame seeds, and fish such as sardines and salmon. These nutrients are essential for the proper development of the baby's teeth and maintaining the mother's dental health. 

Products to avoid

Limit consumption of sweets and snacks between meals. Avoid carbonated drinks and acidic juices that can weaken tooth enamel. Bacteria in the mouth use sugars to produce acids that lead to cavities.

Body hydration

Drink plenty of water to maintain proper oral hydration and neutralize bacterial acids. Proper hydration also supports saliva production, which naturally protects teeth from bacteria.

FAQ – most frequently asked questions

Is it safe to whiten teeth during pregnancy?

Teeth whitening treatments are better postponed until after pregnancy. Although their harm has not been proven, doctors recommend caution.

Does pregnancy cause tooth loss?

It's a myth! The saying "one child – one tooth" has no scientific basis. Proper hygiene helps keep teeth healthy.

When to inform the dentist about pregnancy?

Always, even if you only suspect it. This will allow the treatment plan to be tailored to your situation.

Taking care of your teeth during pregnancy is an investment in your health and your baby's. Regular brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, and check-ups are essential. Most dental treatments are safe during pregnancy, and early care prevents serious complications. Your smile deserves attention!

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[1] Daalderop LA, et al. (2017). Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Overview of Systematic Reviews. JDR Clinical and Translational Research, 2(1), 10-27.

[2] Raju K, et al. (2021). Periodontology and pregnancy: An overview of biomedical and epidemiological evidence. Periodontology 2000, 87(1), 7-15.

[3] Gare J, et al. (2023). Prevalence, Severity of Extension, and Risk Factors of Gingivitis in a 3-Month Pregnant Population: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(5), 1923.

[4] Griebel-Thompson AK, et al. (2023). A Scoping Review of Iodine and Fluoride in Pregnancy in Relation to Maternal Thyroid Function and Offspring Neurodevelopment. Advances in Nutrition, 14(3), 561-574.

[5] Mbembela O, et al. (2023). Biochemical Changes in Salivary pH and Its Correlation to Hemoglobin Levels, Calcium and Phosphate Ion Concentrations among Pregnant Women, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study. Oral, 3(2), 177-187.

[6] Thearawiboon S, et al. (2024). Risk of Early Childhood Caries Estimated by Maternal Dental Caries during Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study. European Journal of Dentistry, 18(1), 97-104.

[7] Aftabi Binte Islam N, et al. (2024). Pregnancy-related dental problems: A review. Heliyon, 10(5), e26825.

[8] Favero V, et al. (2021). Pregnancy and Dentistry: A Literature Review on Risk Management during Dental Surgical Procedures. Dentistry Journal, 9(4), 46.

[9] Yenen Z, et al. (2018). Oral care in pregnancy. Journal of the Turkish German Gynecological Association, 20(4), 264-268.

[10] Mattsson S, et al. (2021). X-Ray and Molecular Imaging During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding—When Should We Be Worried? Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 195(3-4), 372-377.

[11] Zhou X, et al. (2023). Physiology of pregnancy and oral local anesthesia considerations. PeerJ, 11, e14479.

[12] Hodosan V, et al. (2022). Pattern of Antibiotic Use in the Perinatal Period in a Public University Hospital in Romania. Medicina, 58(2), 161.

[13] AlSaeed M, et al. (2021). Assessing the Knowledge of Analgesic Drugs Utilization during Pregnancy among Women in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(11), 5987.

[14] Geurs N, et al. (2023). A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 9.