Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Pregnancy Dental Health – Oral Care for Expectant Mothers and New Mums in Glen Iris

Pregnancy and Dental Health: What Expectant Mothers Should Know

Pregnancy can influence your oral health, leading to issues such as gum disease, gingivitis, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Numerous studies have identified a connection between gum disease in pregnant women and an increased risk of premature births and low birth weight babies. Understanding these risks helps you maintain both your dental and general health throughout pregnancy.

Common pregnancy-related dental issues include:

  • Gum problems

  • Gingivitis (gum inflammation): typically occurs during the second trimester, causing gum swelling and bleeding during brushing or flossing.

  • Gum overgrowth (pregnancy epulis), which sometimes resolves after childbirth.

  • Vomiting or morning sickness.

  • Cravings for sugary foods.

  • Tooth mobility (often temporary until after birth).

  • Retching while brushing teeth.

During pregnancy, these symptoms occur primarily due to heightened hormonal responses to dental plaque. However, with good oral hygiene at home and professional dental care, oral health can be effectively maintained.

Pre-Pregnancy Dental Care: Prevention is Best

Practicing solid oral hygiene before conception reduces the likelihood of developing dental problems during pregnancy. Key preventive steps include:

  • Brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Flossing daily.

  • Eating a balanced, low-sugar diet.

  • Scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

Women planning pregnancy should visit the dentist for a full examination—elective procedures are best completed prior to conception for optimal safety and convenience.

Dental Treatments During Pregnancy

There’s a common misconception that dental treatments aren’t safe during pregnancy. In reality, routine dental care is both safe and recommended. Be sure to inform your Dr. Kaufman of your pregnancy so that any necessary precautions can be taken when scheduling your dental appointments. Learn more about routine dental treatment.

Vomiting and Reflux During Pregnancy

Pregnancy hormones can cause gastric reflux or morning sickness, exposing teeth to strong stomach acids. Over time, this may erode enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay. Tips to protect your teeth include:

  • Avoid brushing immediately after vomiting—wait at least one hour.

  • Rinse your mouth with fluoridated tap water after vomiting.

  • Use a fluoridated mouthwash or dab a small amount of toothpaste on your teeth.

  • Consult your dentist for tailored prevention and acid-protection strategies.

Managing Retching While Brushing Teeth

Retching or gagging when brushing teeth is common in pregnancy. Strategies that may help include:

  • Using a toothbrush with a small head (such as a toddler brush).

  • Brushing slowly and calmly while breathing evenly.

  • Closing the eyes or focusing on breathing to reduce the reflex.

  • Listening to music as a distraction.

  • If needed, brush with water and follow with a fluoridated mouthwash until able to use toothpaste again.

Food Cravings and Oral Health

Many pregnant women experience cravings, especially for sweets, increasing the risk of tooth decay. To reduce damage caused by sugary snacks:

  • Choose fresh fruits instead of processed sweets.

  • Rinse with water or milk after eating sugary foods.

  • Brush soon after snacking to remove residual sugars.

Dental Health After Pregnancy

After giving birth, it’s important for new mothers to schedule a dental check-up, especially if gum swelling or bleeding occurred during pregnancy. Hormone-induced gum conditions often subside after childbirth, but in some cases, persistent gum disease requires professional treatment.

To maintain long-term oral health after pregnancy:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.

  • Floss or use interdental brushes daily.

  • Drink fluoridated tap water.

  • Limit high-sugar foods.

  • Book regular dental visits to monitor gum and tooth health.

 

At what age does Gum Disease start in Glen Iris?

Gum disease symptoms for most of us will start to show in our thirties. But if oral hygiene is not up to standards most of us will have some form of gum disease earlier in life since gum disease can start at any time or any age. There are young adults at the age of 12 or 13 that can show loss of bone and gum infection. But there are other factors that play a part in the onset and progression of gum disease for example men (56.4%) will be more affected than women (38.4%) and those who smoke have a higher risk too (64.2%).

Other factors that can put the average Australian at risk of developing gum disease include diabetes, stress, HIV, certain medications, and even female hormonal changes. Sometimes, it can even just be in your genes, since genetics  play a main role in determining how the body will respond to a gum infection.

What Causes Gum Disease to Develop?

Gum disease begins with plaque or dental biofilm that stays on your teeth for too long. Plaque can be removed by regular brushing and flossing, but if it stays on the teeth longer than 2 or 3 days, it can turn into calculus, which hardens under your gum line. Once calculus forms there will be a need to remove it with ultrasonic or hand scalers.

While the plaque and calculus are attached to the teeth, the bacteria in them release toxins that inflame and irritate the gums. Once the inflammation begins, you’ll usually notice your gums are swollen, tender, and/or bleeding, especially after brushing or flossing. This condition is the beginning stage of gum disease, called gingivitis.

If left untreated, the infection will spread to larger parts of the gum tissue and will lead to pocket development between gums and teeth . Those pockets fill up with more plaque and bacteria. Leading to the advanced stages of gum disease, where supporting bone loss occurs, called periodontitis.  The more the gum disease advances, the deeper infections can go, which can lead to tissue and bone loss and eventually teeth will need to be removed.

What You Can Do to Fight Gum Disease 

To ward off the risk of gum disease be sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. It is important to keep your regularly scheduled dental cleaning appointments and not smoke. If you have more questions about the condition of your gums or if you would like more information about gum disease, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Glen Iris Dentist’s Guide for Expectant Mothers

Pregnancy brings many changes—including some that affect your oral health. Here’s what Glen Iris mums-to-be need to know about keeping their mouths healthy throughout pregnancy:

Pregnancy Gingivitis
Around the second month, higher progesterone levels can increase bacteria that cause gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. Practicing excellent oral hygiene is crucial to control these symptoms and protect both mum and baby.

Enamel Erosion from Morning Sickness
Morning sickness and vomiting expose teeth to stomach acids, softening tooth enamel. Avoid brushing immediately after vomiting—rinse with water first and brush 20–30 minutes later to prevent enamel wear.

Dry Mouth During Pregnancy
If your mouth feels dry, drink water frequently to help rinse away bacteria that would normally be cleared by saliva.

Lumps on the Gums (“Pregnancy Tumours”)
Occasionally, a deep red lump appears on the gum, often in the second trimester. These “pregnancy tumours” can bleed easily or be painful. They’re usually harmless but should be checked by Dr. Kaufman—it could be a lump, abscess, or other issue needing attention.

Gum Infection, Disease, and Your Baby
Good oral hygiene during pregnancy is vital. Gum disease isn’t just local—it allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream and potentially affect your baby. Gum infections can trigger prostaglandin production, which may increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.

If you have any worries about gum disease or mouth care, contact our Glen Iris dental team or book your appointment for a thorough checkup and support tailored to Glen Iris families.