Dental Health Services Victoria

Looking after your teeth and gums while pregnant is important to ensure you give your child a great start in life.

Eat well Your growing baby's calcium demands are high so you should increase your own calcium consumption to compensate. Eat calcium-enriched foods such as dairy or soy alternatives. Eat a nutritious diet every day including fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and lean meats. Try not to eat too many sweet foods. Clean Well Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 to 3 minutes. Aim the bristles of the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, towards the gum line. Floss your teeth at least once a day. See tips on morning sickness, vomiting/acid reflux. Drink well Drink lots of tap water, especially if fluoridated. Drink non-sweetened dairy milk or calcium-fortified alternatives. Calcium is important for your baby's bones and teeth. Try not to drink too many sugary drinks.

Visiting a dentist or oral health professional while pregnant is strongly recommended. Routine dental treatment is safe during pregnancy. Some procedures or medication should be avoided in the first 3 months, so be sure to tell your dentist you are pregnant.

Protect your unborn baby's health

It is important to keep teeth and gums healthy during and after pregnancy to:

• Stop gum disease which could lead to premature birth or a low birth weight baby.
• Stop transfer of decay-causing bacteria from you to your baby. Your child will be less likely to suffer early childhood decay.

Morning sickness, vomiting and acid reflux

Pregnant women who experience morning sickness with vomiting and/or acid reflux are at high risk of tooth erosion*.

To reduce risk of tooth erosion and damage to your teeth after vomiting/reflux you can: 

• Rinse your mouth immediately with water or a mouth rinse. (e.g. Add a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a cup of water to rinse and spit after vomiting)
• Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva to neutralise and wash away acid.
• Smear a little bit of toothpaste over your teeth with your finger.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel surface.

For further advice, speak to your dentist or an oral health professional.

* Tooth erosion is the gradual wearing away or dissolving of the outer enamel layer of your teeth.

Gum disease and pregnancy

Many women can develop gum disease during pregnancy because of natural hormonal changes in the body. If gum disease becomes severe, the infection can affect an unborn baby’s development.  Severe gum disease in an expectant mother can increase the risk of premature birth and of delivering a low birth weight baby. There may be possible long-term health risks for a child born prematurely or of low birth weight.

Signs of gum disease include:

• bleeding gums
• red gums (instead of pink)
• swollen gums
• bad breath.

If you suspect you may have gum disease, talk to a dentist or an oral health professional. Gum disease can be treated, although the type of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection.

Smoking

Smoking while pregnant is not good for you and your unborn baby and it can also lead to gum disease. If you smoke, consider quitting.

The effects of smoking on your unborn child from the Better Health Channel. 

Getting dental treatment: information for concession card holders

Pregnant women who hold a current concession card are eligible for priority access to public dental care. People who have priority access will be offered the next available appointment for general care and will not be placed on the general care wait list. 

To make an appointment, please find and contact your Community dental clinics or call 1300 360 054. Be sure to tell the receptionist you are pregnant.

• How to access public dental care
• Dental advice - babies