Care, through every change

Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, including the health of your gums. Hormonal shifts can increase sensitivity, making the gums more reactive, prone to inflammation, and sometimes more likely to bleed.

Understanding these changes can help you adjust your routine, supporting comfort while maintaining a consistent and effective approach to oral care.

 What to Know and How to Care for Your Smile  

Pregnancy, as we all know, is a period of incredible change within the body. Everyone knows about the more visible changes – skin stretching, swelling hands and feet – but did you know pregnancy also affects your teeth and gums?

It’s true. On top of all the other changes the body goes through during this time, pregnancy also has a significant effect on oral health. This is due to a combination of hormonal and lifestyle changes, which increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and enamel erosion, by around 40%.[i]

How does pregnancy affect your teeth?

During pregnancy, hormone levels (particularly oestrogen and progesterone) surge. These hormones increase blood flow to your gums, making them more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Even if you're brushing regularly, you might notice your gums bleeding more easily. This is called pregnancy gingivitis, and it affects up to 75% of pregnant women.[i]

Morning sickness adds another layer, too. Frequent vomiting exposes teeth to acid, which weakens enamel. Many women also find themselves craving sugary snacks or eating more frequently throughout the day in general to manage nausea. This gives bacteria more opportunities to attack the teeth.

The result? Your mouth becomes more vulnerable, precisely when dental care feels hardest to maintain.

What can you do?

The key is gentleness and consistency. Here are the most important steps to protect your oral health during pregnancy:

• Use an ultra-soft toothbrush. Choose a toothbrush with ultra-soft, densely packed bristles that cleans effectively without aggravating sensitive gum tissue. The Curaprox CS 5460 is specifically designed with thousands of fine filaments to remove plaque thoroughly while remaining gentle on inflamed gums.
• Wait 30 minutes after vomiting before brushing. Morning sickness exposes teeth to acid, which temporarily softens enamel. Brushing immediately can cause further damage. Instead, rinse with water or a fluoride mouthwash, then brush once the enamel has had time to reharden.
• Keep up with dental check-ups. Regular appointments allow your dentist to monitor gum health and catch early signs of pregnancy gingivitis or decay before they progress.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps combat dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay during pregnancy.
• Manage sugar intake carefully. Pregnancy cravings are real, but try to eat sugary foods with meals rather than grazing throughout the day, to limit the time bacteria have to attack tooth enamel.

Pregnancy is demanding enough without adding dental problems to the list. The right approach — combining gentle tools with smart habits — allows you to maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout this transformative period.

[1] Lieff S, Boggess KA, Murtha AP, et al. The oral conditions and pregnancy study: periodontal status of a cohort of pregnant women. J Periodontol. 2004;75(1):116-126. doi:10.1902/jop.2004.75.1.116

[1] CDC. Talking to Pregnant Women about Oral Health. Oral Health. Published May 23, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html