"You lose a tooth for every baby" – a saying repeated for generations. Fortunately it is not true, but there is a grain of truth in it: pregnancy really does affect the health of your teeth and gums. Hormonal changes, nausea, a changed diet and less thorough oral hygiene can lead to problems that are easy to avoid – as long as you know about them.
At the Moje Ząbki clinic in Ząbki we offer dental and gynaecological care under one roof. This is a great convenience for expectant mothers from Ząbki, Zielonka, Marki and the Warsaw area – a visit to the dentist and the gynaecologist in the same place, without having to travel across town. In this article we explain how pregnancy affects your teeth and what you can do to keep a healthy smile throughout the 9 months.
How does pregnancy affect teeth and gums?
Pregnancy is a time of intense hormonal changes that directly affect the mouth. Here are the most important ones:
Pregnancy gingivitis (gingivitis gravidarum)
This is the most common dental problem in pregnancy, affecting as many as 60–75% of pregnant women. Higher levels of progesterone and oestrogen increase blood flow to the gums, making them swollen, red and more likely to bleed when you brush.
Pregnancy gingivitis usually appears in the second trimester and gets worse in the third. It is not dangerous if you keep up good oral hygiene, but if neglected it can progress to periodontitis, which is a serious problem.
"Calcium loss" – myth or fact?
The widespread belief that the developing baby "takes calcium from the mother's teeth" is not entirely in line with science. The calcium needed to build the baby's bones and teeth comes mainly from the mother's diet and her bones – not from tooth enamel. Once mineralised, enamel does not take part in calcium metabolism.
However, pregnancy does weaken teeth indirectly: nausea and vomiting expose enamel to stomach acid, a changed diet (frequent snacking, cravings for sweets) increases the risk of tooth decay, and poorer oral hygiene (gagging when brushing) encourages bacterial growth.
Pregnancy tumour (epulis gravidarum)
In a small percentage of women (around 1–5%) a lumpy, easily bleeding vascular growth appears on the gum – the so-called pregnancy tumour. It looks worrying but is benign and usually disappears on its own after delivery. If it gets in the way of eating or oral hygiene, the dentist can remove it during pregnancy.
Tooth sensitivity
A lower pH in the mouth (caused by nausea and cravings for acidic foods) and exposed tooth necks due to receding gums can make teeth more sensitive to cold, heat and sweet foods.
Can you go to the dentist when pregnant?
Yes – and it is recommended. The Polish Dental Association and international organisations (including the ADA and ACOG) clearly recommend dental check-ups during pregnancy. Dental treatment is safe at every stage of pregnancy, although the optimal window is the second trimester (weeks 13–27).
What is safe?
During pregnancy the following can be done safely: dental check-ups and diagnostics, scaling (tartar removal) and air polishing, treatment of tooth decay (fillings), root canal treatment (if needed) and tooth extraction (when necessary).
What about X-rays?
An X-ray with a lead apron covering the abdomen is safe during pregnancy – the radiation dose is minimal. However, most dentists only take X-rays when absolutely necessary for diagnosis. At the Moje Ząbki clinic in Ząbki we use digital X-rays, which emit a much lower dose than traditional machines.
What about local anaesthesia?
Local anaesthesia with lidocaine is safe during pregnancy. The dentist uses preparations without adrenaline or with only a minimal amount of it. There is no need to put up with pain without anaesthesia – that is unnecessary stress, which in itself is harmful during pregnancy.
When should you see a dentist during pregnancy?
Ideally before you get pregnant, as part of planning. Getting your mouth into good shape (treating all areas of decay and removing tartar) before pregnancy is the best prevention.
If your pregnancy is already confirmed, your visits should look like this:
First trimester – a check-up and assessment of your oral health. The dentist plans any treatment for the second trimester. Scaling can already be done at this stage.
Second trimester – the best time for any dental treatment. Nausea usually subsides, your bump is not yet too big and the risks associated with lying back in the chair are minimal.
Third trimester – check-ups. Longer procedures may be uncomfortable because of your position and the size of your bump. If needed, the dentist will adjust the position of the chair.
At our clinic in Ząbki expectant mothers can book a dental and a gynaecological appointment on the same day – a convenience appreciated by patients from Ząbki, Zielonka, Marki and Wołomin.
How to look after your teeth during pregnancy – practical tips
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
The basics don't change in pregnancy. Use a soft toothbrush if your gums are sensitive and bleeding. Don't stop brushing because of bleeding – paradoxically, that makes your gums worse.
After vomiting, don't brush straight away
This is a common mistake. Stomach acid softens enamel, and brushing immediately wears away its weakened surface. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and a little baking soda (1 teaspoon per glass of water). Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
Use dental floss or a water flosser
Gums are more sensitive in pregnancy, but that is no reason to stop cleaning between your teeth. If floss irritates your gums, try a water flosser – a gentle stream of water effectively removes food debris.
Snack less often
It is not so much what you eat as how often. Every meal (even a small snack) lowers the pH in your mouth for about 30 minutes, creating conditions for tooth decay. Try to eat regular meals instead of constantly snacking.
Take calcium and vitamin D
Supplementation matters not so much for your teeth as for bones – yours and your baby's. The daily calcium intake in pregnancy is 1000–1300 mg. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, sardines, broccoli and almonds. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium.
Drink water instead of juice
Fruit juices – even "100% natural" ones – contain a lot of sugar and acids that attack enamel. Water is the best drink for healthy teeth, and during pregnancy you need plenty of it.
Tooth decay in pregnancy and your baby's health
Research shows a link between the mother's oral health and the baby's health. Untreated tooth decay and periodontitis in the mother may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Bacteria from infected areas in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation.
In addition, a mother with active tooth decay can more easily pass Streptococcus mutans bacteria to her baby after birth – for example through kissing, licking the dummy or sharing spoons. The fewer decay-causing bacteria in the mother's mouth, the lower the risk of early tooth decay in the child.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I have dental treatment during pregnancy?
Yes – dental treatment is safe and recommended during pregnancy. The best time for treatment is the second trimester, but in the case of pain or infection treatment can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy.
Is dental anaesthesia safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Local anaesthesia with lidocaine is safe for both mother and baby. The dentist adjusts the type and dose of the preparation to the pregnancy.
Why do gums bleed during pregnancy?
Bleeding gums in pregnancy are caused by hormonal changes (higher progesterone and oestrogen levels) that increase blood flow to the gums and make them more sensitive. Regular oral hygiene and scaling help keep this under control.
Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?
Yes, with a lead apron covering the abdomen. The radiation dose from a digital dental X-ray is minimal. However, we only take X-rays during pregnancy when they are necessary for diagnosis.
How often should I see a dentist during pregnancy?
We recommend at least 2 visits during pregnancy – one at the beginning (first trimester) and one around weeks 28–30. If you have gingivitis or a higher risk of tooth decay, visits may be more frequent.
Does the Moje Ząbki clinic also offer pregnancy care?
Yes – our clinic in Ząbki offers both dental and gynaecological care, including pregnancy care. It is a unique opportunity for comprehensive care for expectant mothers under one roof.
How do I get to the Moje Ząbki clinic?
Our clinic is located in Ząbki at ul. Malczewskiego 13 lok. C (Masovian Voivodeship). The journey from Warsaw takes about 15–20 minutes (via the S8 or by public transport). It is easy to get to from Zielonka, Marki, Wołomin and Kobyłka. Parking is available near the clinic.
Summary – healthy teeth in pregnancy come down to prevention
Pregnancy does not have to mean problems with your teeth. The key is prevention: regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and a quick response to the first symptoms.
At the Moje Ząbki clinic in Ząbki we offer comprehensive care for pregnant women – dental and gynaecological in one place. Our team is experienced in treating pregnant patients and knows how to ensure safety and comfort at every stage of pregnancy.
Book an appointment: call 507 281 941 or book online through our website.
This article was written by Dr Magdalena Fronczak (dentist), founder of the Moje Ząbki clinic in Ząbki. The content is for information only and does not replace an individual dental or gynaecological consultation.