Some women get swollen and sore gums, which may bleed, in pregnancy. Bleeding gums are caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to plaque, leading to inflammation and bleeding. This is also called pregnancy gingivitis or gum disease.
Your dentist will be able to help with this. Dental care is free during pregnancy and until one year after your due date. You can read more about treating gum disease.
To get free dental care, you need to apply for a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx).
Ask your doctor, nurse or midwife for form FW8. You complete parts one and two of the form, and your doctor, midwife or nurse signs it to confirm that the information you’ve given is correct.
Keeping teeth and gums healthy in pregnancy
It’s very important to keep your teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible while you’re pregnant. The best way to prevent or deal with gum problems is to practise good oral hygiene.
Go to the dentist so they can give your teeth a thorough clean and give you some advice about keeping your teeth clean at home.
Here’s how you can look after your teeth and gums:
- Clean your teeth carefully twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste – ask your dentist to show you a good brushing method to remove all the plaque.
- Brushing is best with a small-headed toothbrush with soft filaments – make sure it’s comfortable to hold.
- Avoid having sugary drinks (such as fizzy drinks or sweet tea) and sugary foods too often – try to keep them to meal times.
- If you’re hungry between meals, snack on vegetables and avoid sugary or acidic foods (get tips on healthy snacks).
- Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
- Stop smoking, as it can make gum disease worse.
- If you have morning sickness (nausea and vomiting), rinse your mouth with plain water after each time you vomit. This will help prevent the acid in your vomit attacking your teeth.
Do not brush your teeth straight away as they will be softened by the acid from your stomach. Wait about an hour before doing so.
Find out what the symptoms of gum disease are.
Dental treatments to avoid in pregnancy
When you go to the dentist, make sure they know you’re pregnant.
Discuss with your dentist whether any new or replacement fillings should be delayed until after your baby is born.
The Department of Health advises that amalgam fillings shouldn’t be removed during pregnancy.
If you need a dental X-ray, your dentist will usually wait until you’ve had the baby, even though most dental X-rays don’t affect the tummy (abdomen) or pelvic area.
