How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is often one of the happiest and most rewarding times in a woman’s life. If you’re pregnant, we wish you a big congratulations from the team at Victorian Dental Group!

And now, let’s talk about dental care during pregnancy.

While pregnancy itself has no effects on dental health, changing habits during pregnancy can often lead to increased risk of dental problems when you’re pregnant.

Here, Victorian Dental Group explains how to keep your teeth healthy during pregnancy, leading to a safe childbirth and a healthy baby.

Pregnancy and dental health

Pregnancy itself doesn’t pose a risk to the health of your teeth. Rather, it’s known that changes in lifestyle, habits and body processes can increase the risk of dental problems during pregnancy.

Aspects of pregnancy that can increase risk of dental health problems

Low-sugar dairy products work on your oral health in two ways: 1) they help your mouth produce saliva and 2) they’re rich in calcium and phosphorus which are key minerals for strong, healthy teeth. Avoid sweetened versions of these dairy products, like flavoured milk and fruit-flavoured yoghurt – it’s much better to have plain yoghurt and add fresh fruit to it for sweetness. When drinking red wine, which is acidic and can eat away at enamel, ensure you pair it with your favourite cheese to reduce its effects and add calcium back to the teeth.

Hormone changes

Pregnancy hormones can increase risk of gum disease in some women. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) sometimes occurs during the second trimester, which can progress to periodontal disease without sufficient brushing and flossing. If you’re gums are bleeding while brushing, use a softer-bristled toothbrush and continue to brush and floss twice a day.

Vomiting

Morning sickness is common during pregnancy, leaving your teeth covered in stomach acids and increasing your risk of enamel damage. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting, instead rinsing your mouth with plain tap water and using a fluoridated mouthwash afterwards. Wait at least an hour after vomiting before you brush your teeth.

Cravings for sugary foods

Some women experience cravings for sugary foods while pregnant, and these can be particularly hard to fight! Pregnant women should aim to limit their sugar intake just the same as the rest of the population, as sugary and starchy foods increase risk of decay and gum disease. If the cravings won’t go away, try a healthy sweet option like fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Gagging while brushing teeth

Some women find their gag reflex is more sensitive during pregnancy, making it difficult to clean the molars at back of the mouth. It’s important that these teeth are properly cleaned in order to avoid tooth decay, and some women find it useful to use a smaller-sized toothbrush (like one designed for toddlers) while pregnant.

Key tips for health teeth during pregnancy:

Brush for two minutes, twice a day
Floss at least once a day
Limit intake of sugary and starchy foods
Avoid brushing teeth after vomiting, rinsing with tap water instead

If you’re pregnant and need to visit the dentist for a check-up, make an appointment with Victorian Dental Group. Our highly skilled dentists and hygienists take extra precautions when you’re pregnant, and help to keep up your oral hygiene during this special time in your life. Give our friendly team a call today and book in for an appointment with Victorian Dental Group.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest PrevPreviousHow Your Diet Affects Your Oral Health: Best Foods for Healthy Teeth NextTop Signs You May Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth RemovedNext CALL US: 9088 5808 Back to top Back to top

PREVENT

RESTORE

RECREATE

VICTORIAN DENTAL GROUP
291 WATTLETREE ROAD, MALVERN EAST, VIC, 3145, AUSTRALIA
(03)90885808
INFO@VICTORIANDENTALGROUP.COM.AU

HOURS
MON 8:00AM - 5:00PM
TUE 8:00AM - 5:00PM
WED 8:00AM - 5:00PM
THU 8:00AM - 5:00PM
FRI 8:00AM - 5:00PM
SAT CLOSED
SUN CLOSED

https://www.qip.com.au/ https://www.ada.org.au/

Facebook-f Instagram

We are taking a short break

The clinic will be closed from Thursday 2nd April 2026, and will reopen on Tuesday 7th April 2026. Online booking remains available for scheduling appointments.

Victorian Dental Group will be closed for annual maintenance on 3rd and 4th of October. Online booking remains active and our team will be available from Monday 7th October.

(03) 9088 5808

Book Online

PREVENT

RESTORE

RECREATE

9088 5808

PREVENT

RESTORE

RECREATE

9088 5808

How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy and dental health

Aspects of pregnancy that can increase risk of dental health problems

Key tips for health teeth during pregnancy:

PREVENT

RESTORE

RECREATE

We are taking a short break

(03) 9088 5808

Images on This Page