Pregnancy can be a happy time of life, even though it certainly brings challenges of many kinds, and dental health is no exception. The risk of gum inflammation, tooth decay and enamel erosion increases, but with good care and the right dental treatment, most problems can be prevented and treated. It's perfectly fine to see the dentist while pregnant, but it's important to let your dentist know that you are pregnant.

Gums

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone, can make the gums react more strongly to plaque. The changes are often first noticed in the second month, but are most noticeable in the second and third trimesters, peaking around the eighth month. The gums become red and swollen, more tender, and bleed easily when brushing and flossing. Because of local irritation and hormonal changes, a harmless lump with a raspberry-like texture can occasionally form, usually between the teeth.

Tips for your gums

• Don't stop brushing or flossing even if your gums bleed. It's important to keep pregnancy gingivitis to a minimum with good oral hygiene.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
• See a dentist if it gets bad. You may need a professional cleaning.

Enamel

Morning sickness, reflux and frequent vomiting during pregnancy can affect the enamel. When you vomit or have reflux, stomach acid comes into contact with the enamel and can cause erosion. The risk can increase with frequent vomiting over a longer period. People who already have enamel erosion are at greater risk.

Tips for your enamel

• Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting
• Don't brush your teeth straight after vomiting. Wait at least 30 minutes
• Don't add to the risk by drinking a lot of fizzy drinks and energy drinks

Tooth decay

Eating habits often change during pregnancy and can be linked to nausea and feeling unwell. Women are known to snack more between meals during this time. Large meals can be hard to eat, especially later in pregnancy, so many choose smaller, more frequent meals. Heartburn, which often comes with pregnancy, also encourages constant snacking. Cravings for particular foods are common. Some women also get a dry mouth, which can further increase the risk of tooth decay.

Tips to avoid tooth decay

• Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary and acidic drinks
• Try to eat well at mealtimes and avoid sweets and constant snacking. If you need to eat more often, choose healthy, unsweetened snacks
• Keep your teeth clean by brushing carefully with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily
• Sugar-free chewing gum can help stimulate saliva flow and fight tooth decay, especially gum that contains xylitol

Is it safe to see the dentist during pregnancy?

It is generally safe to see the dentist at every stage of pregnancy. Regular check-ups, cleanings and necessary dental treatment should not be put off just because of pregnancy. X-rays are taken if there is a clinical need. Local anaesthetic at the dentist is generally safe, although certain anaesthetics should be avoided, especially later in pregnancy. Extractions and surgery are generally postponed until after the birth, mainly to avoid the need for painkillers or other medication that come with the procedure.

It's important to let your dentist know you are pregnant, whatever stage you are at.

Good dental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing during pregnancy. With simple prevention, good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, you can reduce the risk of gum inflammation, tooth decay and enamel erosion.

If you have questions about your dental health during pregnancy, or notice changes you'd like advice on, we at Tannlæknaþjónustan are here for you.