PREGNANCY

AND ORAL
HEALTH
Pregnancy will affect nearly every aspect of a
woman’s life and oral health is no exception.
Make sure to continue a thorough oral health
regime and consult your GP regularly on any
issues.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?
Can I receive dental
treatments when I’m
pregnant?

If you can, schedule any major restorative

procedures before pregnancy. Should you
require any dental work while pregnant, it
is best to receive any routine treatments
during your second trimester, as the foetus is
at its most sensitive during the first, and it
may be uncomfortable to sit in the dentist’s
chair in the final stages of pregnancy.
 Is NHS dental care
free for pregnant
women?

Yes, if you apply for a free “Maternity

Exemption Certificate” all NHS dental AT
E
C
treatments and medications are free during C ERT
IF

and up to 12 months after pregnancy.

Are dental
X-rays safe?

Modern dental X-rays expose the patient to

minimal doses of radiation which is focused
far away from the uterus. However, X-rays
should only be undertaken if unavoidable,
and only for diagnosis within the first
trimester.
 Are dental
medications
safe?

Most dental medications are safe to take

while pregnant, including paracetamol,
most antibiotics, and anesthetics. However,
some medications are potentially harmful,
such as the antibiotic Metronidazole so
always make your dentist aware if there’s a
possibility you are pregnant. If you have
any further concerns always check with
your GP, pharmacist, or midwife.
COMMON ORAL HEALTH CONCERNS
DURING PREGNANCY
GINGIVITIS

WHAT IS IT?
Gingivitis presents itself as an inflammation
of the gums which may become red, sore,
and bleed while brushing.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Make sure to floss regularly, brush twice a
day, and use fluoride mouthwashes.
Professional cleaning may also help if the
problem persists.
 ACID
EROSION

0.5-2%
have severe
WHAT IS IT? morning
If you suffer from severe morning sickness, sickness
the digestive acids from your stomach can
cause a loss of enamel from your upper
front teeth.

WHAT CAN I DO? 50%

Minimise damage from this by avoiding experience
brushing immediately after being sick. Use some form
a mouthwash and wait 10-15 minutes of morning
sickness
before brushing.
 PREGNANCY
INDUCED DIABETES

WHAT IS IT?
Arises in rare cases where the mother
cannot meet the added insulin demands of
pregnancy. Presenting in the third trimester
with few symptoms.

WHAT CAN I DO?

It is important to see your GP regularly as
GDM can be identified through regular
Also known screenings. GDM is a treatable condition,
as Gestational particularly for women who have
Diabetes or reasonable control over their glucose levels.
GDM
 PREGNANCY
GRANULOMA

WHAT IS IT?
Despite being referred to as pregnancy
tumours, they are not cancerous or
dangerous. Usually taking the form of red
nodules in the upper gum line, appearing
during the second trimester.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Ensure to continue a thorough oral health
regime and the condition should resolve
itself. However, always check with your
dentist if the condition persists, as surgery
can also be an option post-pregnancy.
GET FLOSSING!
brought to you by Portman Healthcare
www.portmanhealthcare.co.uk