Dental care and pregnancy

It's important for you to take good care of your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of developing gum disease, which in turn, can affect the health of your developing baby.Remember that dental treatment on the NHS is free for women who are pregnant and remains free for one year after the birth of your baby. Your GP will issue you with an appropriate certificate so you can prove your entitlement.

Below are some tips to help you maintain good oral health before, during, and after your pregnancy.

Before you get pregnant

Try to make a dental appointment before getting pregnant. That way, your teeth can be professionally cleaned, your gum tissue can be carefully examined, and any oral health problems can be treated in advance of your pregnancy.

Dental care while pregnant

Dental Care While Pregnant

• Once you have booked in with your GP for your antenatal care, tell your dentist that you are pregnant. As a precautionary measure, dental treatments during the first trimester (up to 12 weeks) and second half of the third trimester (the last 6 to 8 weeks) should be avoided as much as possible. These are critical times in the baby's growth and development and it's simply wise to avoid exposing the mother to procedures that could in any way influence this. However, routine dental care can be received during the second trimester. All elective dental procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.
• Tell your dentist the names and dosages of all medications you are taking - including medications and vitamins such as folic acid - as well as any specific medical advice your GP has given you. Your dentist may need to alter your dental treatment plan based on this information. Certain drugs -- for example, such as the antibiotic tetracycline -- can affect the development of your child's teeth and should not be given during the pregnancy.
• Avoid dental X-rays during pregnancy. If X-rays are essential (such as in a dental emergency), your dentist will use extreme caution to safeguard you and your baby. Advances in technology have made X-rays much safer today than in past decades.
• Dentists are advised by the Department of Health that they should avoid putting in - or removing - amalgam (silver) fillings during pregnancy as a precautionary measure.
• Don't skip your dental check-up appointment simply because you are pregnant. Now more than at any other time, regular periodontal (gum) examinations are very important because pregnancy causes hormonal changes that put you at increased risk for periodontal disease and for tender gums that bleed easily - a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. Pay particular attention to any changes in your gums during pregnancy. If tenderness, bleeding or gum swelling occurs at any time during your pregnancy, talk with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible.
• Follow good oral hygiene practises to prevent and/or reduce oral health problems.
• If you are pregnant you are entitled to free dental treatment. This free treatment is also available for 12 months after the birth of your child. You will need to produce a Maternity Exemption Certificate.