Dental care during pregnancy

Dental care before pregnancy…

  • Brush your teeth and gums morning and night.
  • Use a small, soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Plain tap water is the best drink.
  • Frequent snacking on sweet foods, soft drinks, cordials and fruit juice can lead to dental erosion and tooth decay.
  • Visit your dentist for a check-up.
  • If you’re a smoker, think about quitting. Call the Quitline on 13 78 48.

Dental care during pregnancy…

You may experience gum problems (bleeding and tenderness). Gently brush your gums when you brush your teeth.

  • If you gag when brushing, try later in the morning when the gag reflex may not be as strong.
  • A smaller brush might be helpful for the back teeth.
  • You may experience pregnancy sickness or gastric reflux – rinse your mouth with water after vomiting.
  • Try not to brush your teeth for 30 minutes after vomiting – this will give the enamel time to recover from the acid attack.
  • Visit your dentist in early pregnancy to have your teeth and gums checked. Don’t forget to mention you’re pregnant.
  • There is no truth to the old wives tale that ‘a tooth is lost with every pregnancy’.
  • Your baby’s teeth start developing in the first three months of pregnancy.
  • Once your baby is born, decay causing germs may be transferred from mother to child. Avoid sharing spoons with your child. Information is available to give your child’s teeth a healthy start.