Oral-B | Learning Center | Daily Care | Pregnancy, Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease: Maintaining Dental Health While Pregnant




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Help stop gingivitis before it starts-and save up to $6 on products from Crest® and Oral-B®.

Chances are, oral care isn't top-of-mind during this special time in your life.

In fact, 60 to 75% of pregnant women experience gingivitis. That's why Oral-B^® has teamed up with the authors of Your Pregnancy Week by Week to create a free oral health guide exclusively for your needs and those of your developing baby.

A Guide to Your Oral Health
From Oral-B^® and the authors of Your Pregnancy Week by Week
Glade B. Curtis, M.D., M.P.H., OB/GYN and Judith Schuler, M.S.

Download the Free Guide

How does pregnancy affect my teeth and gums?
How does gum disease develop?
How do I know if I have gum disease?
Am I also at a greater risk for tooth decay?
How can I avoid tooth decay and gum disease?
Should I tell my dentist that I’m pregnant?
When do my baby’s teeth start developing?
How should I care for my infant’s teeth and gums?

When you're pregnant it is important to take care of your oral health. Hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can increase your chances of developing gingivitis.

So while you are pregnant, it is especially important to practice good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing every day, eating a healthy, balanced diet and continuing to make regular dental visits.

How does pregnancy affect my teeth and gums?
Pregnancy causes hormonal fluctuations that increase your risk for gingivitis.

The changing hormone levels in your body can make healthy gum tissue more sensitive to harmful plaque—the colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Furthermore, if you already have signs of gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse. This is why it's vital to pay more careful attention to your daily brushing and flossing routine to keep plaque under control.

How does gum disease develop?
Plaque is one of the main causes of gum disease. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it will accumulate on the teeth and along the gumline, which can lead to gingivitis-the first stage of gum disease.

If ignored, gingivitis can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis

(also known as periodontal disease) in which the gums and bones that support your teeth and keep them in place are permanently damaged.

How do I know if I have gum disease?
As many as 70% of women experience gingivitis during pregnancy, so watch out for these warning signs:

	Your gums are tender, swollen, or red
	You experience bleeding gums when you brush or floss
	You can't get rid of bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Am I also at a greater risk for tooth decay?
Perhaps. If you have sugary food cravings, make sure to brush your teeth after eating.

How can I avoid tooth decay and gum disease?
Here is a checklist for keeping your teeth and gums properly cleaned:

Brush thoroughly at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed. ("What is the best way to brush my teeth?")
Use a soft-bristled or power toothbrush, such as the Oral-B® Vitality™ Precision Clean electric rechargeable brush. It removes up to two times more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush.
Take your time. You should spend at least two minutes brushing to remove the plaque that is constantly forming on your teeth.
Be sure to use an anti-gingivitis and anti-plaque toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen teeth and prevent decay, such as Crest® Pro-Health™ Toothpaste. When you brush with Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, stannous fluoride is released in the mouth, acting as a powerful anti-microbial agent that kills harmful bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis.
Rinse thoroughly after brushing with an anti-bacterial rinse like Crest® Pro-Health™ Rinse. It contains a clinically proven anti-microbial agent, cetylpyridinium chloride or CPC, that's attracted to bacteria in your mouth, making it effective at fighting plaque, gingivitis and bad breath.
Clean between your teeth daily with a floss like Crest Glide®. It promotes healthy gums by helping prevent gingivitis.
Use floss or other interdental cleaners to remove plaque from areas that your toothbrush can't reach. ("How should I floss?")
Eat a healthy balanced diet, rich in calcium - it's especially beneficial for developing teeth and bones.
Avoid frequent sugary snacks.
Continue to visit your dentist and hygienist for regular checkups.

Should I tell my dentist that I’m pregnant?
As soon as you believe that you are pregnant, tell your dentist because it may not be safe to have x-rays during pregnancy. You should also let your dentist know if you are trying to get pregnant: knowing this can help in planning x-rays or other treatments. Tell your dentist what medicines you are taking and if your physician has given you any specific medical advice, as it may affect the treatment given.

When do my baby’s teeth start developing?
Your baby’s first teeth will begin to develop about three months into your pregnancy. The healthier your diet is, the greater the likelihood that your baby’s teeth and gums will be healthy too.

How should I care for my infant’s teeth and gums?

	Even before your baby’s first tooth appears, you should be cleaning his or her mouth after feeding. Use a damp washcloth or piece of gauze to wipe the gums – this will remove any plaque that has formed.
	You should start brushing your baby’s teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as the first one appears. The Oral-B Stages 1 toothbrush is ideal for babies' first teeth and gums.
	Take your baby to the dentist sometime between the arrival of the first tooth and his or her first birthday. At this time, the dentist will check your child’s teeth, gums and jaw for any problems and show you the right way to clean and care for your child’s teeth.