Oral health during pregnancy
A healthy mouth during pregnancy is important for both mums and babies. Pregnancy hormones can make gums more sensitive to dental plaque and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Severe gum disease during pregnancy can affect both mothers’ and babies’ health. It’s linked to an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
It’s safe, and encouraged, to visit your dental practitioner for check-ups and treatment during your pregnancy. Remember to tell your dental practitioner that you are pregnant.
Tips for keeping teeth and gums healthy during pregnancy
Maintain healthy teeth and gums during pregnancy by continuing to brush twice a day, floss daily and having regular dental check-ups. If you’re planning on becoming pregnant, visit your dental practitioner for a check-up to treat any dental problems before your pregnancy.
If you are experiencing gum sensitivity or bleeding, try using an extra soft toothbrush, and be sure to gently brush the gumline using small circles. Plaque build-up along the gums will result in inflammation (gingivitis), so it’s important to keep them clean.
Health conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of gum problems during pregnancy. You can discuss this with your dental practitioner.
Avoid tobacco products. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of your baby.
Nausea, vomiting and oral health
Morning sickness is the nausea and vomiting caused by extra hormones your body is producing. It usually starts in the early stages of pregnancy and can stop after 3 months, though some women may experience it for longer. Frequent vomiting can weaken teeth and make them more at risk of decay and erosion (wearing away).
Nausea and fatigue during pregnancy can also mean toothbrushing may be neglected. The following tips can help protect your teeth:
- Don’t brush the teeth straight after vomiting as this can speed up tooth erosion. Instead, do one of the following to help neutralise acids after vomiting:
- rinse the mouth with fluoride mouth rinse
- rinse the mouth with water and smear a small amount of fluoride toothpaste on the teeth
- chew sugar free gum.
- Keep brushing the teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- If nauseous, try healthy plain foods like plain crackers, dry toast or cereal.
- Dairy-based snacks (e.g. cheese or milk) can help to neutralise acids and protect against decay.
- Avoid frequent snacking on foods with added sugar.
- Avoid drinking acidic drinks, such as juice, soft drink, energy drinks or sports drinks. These drinks can cause decay and tooth erosion.
Making good food choices during pregnancy
Making good food choices during pregnancy is beneficial for you and your baby. Calcium is especially important in your diet while you are pregnant and breastfeeding. It helps build the teeth and bones of the developing child. Read more about healthy eating during pregnancy on the Growing Good Habits website.
Dairy foods
Dairy foods are excellent sources of calcium. One cup of milk will provide 300mg of calcium. Reduced fat and calcium enriched products are recommended.
Teenagers who are pregnant or breastfeeding need additional calcium for their own developing bodies.
Serving suggestions
While pregnant: 1100mg calcium per day
1 glass of milk + 1 tub of yoghurt + 1 cheese and salmon sandwich.
While breastfeeding: about 1200mg calcium per day
2 glasses of milk + 1 tub of yoghurt + 2 pieces of toast with baked beans (1 cup) and cheese.
Good sources of calcium
Good sources of calcium include:
- milk
- yoghurt
- cheese
- ricotta cheese
- soy drink
- salmon
- almonds
- broccoli
- baked beans.
Other foods
Healthy food choices for pregnant women include vegetables, fruits, breads and cereals and low-fat dairy foods, e.g. milk and yoghurt.
Avoid salt, caffeine, carbonated drinks, nicotine and alcohol as these all decrease the calcium available to you.
The food cravings and nausea that some women experience while pregnant can often be relieved by eating small amounts of low fat and low sugar foods often. Be mindful that sugary snacks eaten often can cause tooth decay.
Remember
- Calcium is essential during pregnancy for the proper development of baby’s teeth and bones.
- Visit a dental practitioner either before or soon after you become pregnant so any problems can be treated immediately.
- Be sure to tell your dental practitioner if you are pregnant.
- Avoid snacking on sugary foods.
- Brush with a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste daily and remember to floss.