Now That You’re Pregnant

Morning Sickness

​The stomach contents are acidic and may dissolve some of the tooth enamel. To avoid tooth damage after vomiting or gastric reflux don't brush your teeth if you have just vomited. Instead wipe a smear of fluoride toothpaste over the teeth and rinse with water.

• Gagging can often occur whilst brushing your teeth. If this makes you feel sick, try to concentrate on your breathing as you clean the back teeth. Brushing without toothpaste can also help but return to using fluoride toothpaste as soon as possible.
• Cravings may be experienced for certain foods. Frequent snacks and drinks, especially sweet ones, can lead to dental caries (decay). Choose a wide variety of snacks which are low in sugar, fat and salt and high in fibre. Drinks such as milk and water are recommended.
• Your gums may be easily irritated by dental plaque. When you become pregnant, the hormones in your body change. These hormones can cause your gums to become inflamed, and bleed. Clean your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing each day to reduce the irritation and keep the gums healthy. During your pregnancy, ask your dentist to check the condition of your gums and advise you further on how to care for them.
• Brushing is important, cleaning your teeth and brushing your gums twice a day will avoid plaque build up. Remember, each tooth has two- five surfaces - a front, a back, two sides and a top. The only one sure way to prevent dental disease is to clean every surface.
• Fluoride strengthens the teeth and prevents decay. Fluoride is found in most toothpastes and your dentist may recommend you also have a fluoride mouth rinse or have a professional topical fluoride treatment. For your baby there is no clear evidence that taking fluoride tablets during pregnancy will strengthen the baby's developing teeth or help prevent decay for the baby's teeth. If water supply is not fluoridated then your dentist may advise that the baby have a fluoride supplement.
• Calcium is very important. When you are four months pregnant your baby's teeth and bones begin to calcify. The calcium and phosphorous needed comes from what you eat and, if necessary, from your bones. These minerals do not come from your teeth.

When you are 7-9 months pregnant your baby needs more calcium and phosphorous. These minerals are best obtained by eating more dairy foods.

Milk and milk products are an excellent source of calcium. Choose those that are low in fat and sugar. If you don't drink milk or eat milk products such as cheese and yogurt choose other products that are high in calcium. If you are having difficulties see your doctor or dietician for advice. They may recommend calcium supplements. The recommended daily intake per day for women is 1,100mg during pregnancy, and 1,200mg while breastfeeding.
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Looking Ahead

At first your newborn baby does not have decay causing bacteria in their mouth.

As the teeth come through the gum the bacteria that causes decay is passed to the baby by the main carer, usually the mother through kissing, food tasting or by cleaning the dummy in their own mouth.

It is important that carers thoroughly clean their own teeth and have all their own decayed teeth treated so they will have low levels of bacteria. This will reduce or greatly delay the transfer of these bacteria to the baby.