Pregnancy and keeping your teeth and gums healthy

Looking after your mouth is not just about your smile, it's also important for your overall health and your baby’s development. The good news is that most oral health concerns during pregnancy are temporary and manageable, especially with the right care. This guide will help you understand how pregnancy affects oral health and what you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your journey. 

Why oral health matters during pregnancy 

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive to plaque, which can lead to inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, this can develop into more serious gum disease,  gum infections, and in severe cases, loose teeth or teeth falling out 

Pregnancy can lead to changes in diet or how often we eat snacks. This is particularly the case if you are experiencing morning sickness. Diet changes which involve an increase in the number of sweet drinks or snacks can cause an increased risk of tooth decay 

There may be a link between gum disease and other negative effects on your and your baby’s health, including causing: 

• premature births (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, 2025)

• pre-eclampsia (NHS, 2021)

• low birth weight (Moore and Blaire, 2017) 

That’s why caring for your oral health during pregnancy is so important, for both your wellbeing and your baby’s. We know you’ll have a lot on your mind but try and keep on top of your dental health and seek treatment early if anything feels unusual. 

Free dental care during pregnancy 

If you're pregnant, you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment during your pregnancy and for up to 12 months after your baby is born. You’ll need a maternity exemption certificate to show your dentist. The certificate will also mean you can get free NHS prescriptions.  

To get your certificate speak to your midwife, doctor, or health visitor. They'll complete the application for you. They can do this as soon as they confirm that you’re pregnant. 

Finding a dentist 

If you don’t have an NHS dentist, and you live in: 

• England, you can search on the NHS website for a dentist. Alternatively, call NHS England's Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233. This number will take you to general enquiries, who can help. 

• Northern Ireland, the Health and Social Care website lists dentists

• Scotland, you can search on the NHS Inform Scotland page for a dentist.

• Wales, the 111 website lists dentists.

Common oral health issues in pregnancy 

Gum disease (pregnancy gingivitis) 

When you’re pregnant changing hormone levels make you more vulnerable to plaque, a film of sticky, clear bacteria on your teeth. This can lead to pregnancy gingivitis, when your gums swell and bleed. It’s common and treatable, but if it’s not addressed it can lead to severe gum disease (periodontitis) which can cause infection or pain and potentially bone loss and loss of teeth. 

Signs to look out for: 

• Bleeding gums when brushing, flossing or eating hard foods. 

• Swollen, red, or tender gums. 

It is really important during pregnancy that you brush your teeth well twice a day. Try and ensure you are brushing where your teeth and gums meet. Bleeding gums are often a sign that they (and your teeth) need to be brushed.  

If you notice any of these symptoms, book a dental appointment. Gum disease can be treated safely during pregnancy, often with a deep clean by your dental hygienist. 

Tooth decay 

Cravings for sugary foods can increase your risk of tooth decay. Avoid having sugary drinks, such as fizzy drinks or sweet tea, and sugary foods too often, try to keep them to mealtimes.  

Vomiting due to morning sickness can wear down the enamel on your teeth. If you do vomit, try and rinse your mouth with water after each time you’re sick. We know you may want to brush your teeth straight afterwards but try to wait an hour before you do. This is because the acid from your stomach will have softened your teeth and brushing may cause damage. 

Tips for keeping your teeth healthy in pregnancy 

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste ensuring you actively brush where your teeth and gums meet 

• Use floss or interdental brushes daily to clean between your teeth. 

• Visit your dentist regularly, check-ups and treatment are free on the NHS. 

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks to protect against tooth decay. Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, this benefits both your oral health and your baby’s growth. 

• If you experience morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water afterwards and wait to brush your teeth.  

• Smoking and vaping can worsen oral health so giving up during pregnancy is a very good idea. 

Dental treatment in pregnancy 

Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy, including cleanings and necessary treatments for gum disease or tooth decay. Dentists may delay non-urgent work until after your baby is born, but urgent care will not be postponed. 

Dental X-rays are very low in radiation and are generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Always let your dentist know if you're pregnant. 

Pregnancy and tooth and gum health: what to remember 

Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is one of the easiest ways to protect your overall wellbeing and support your baby’s development.  

If you’re experiencing any issues with your teeth or gums, or even if you just want a check-up, don’t wait. Book an appointment with your dentist and let them know you’re pregnant so they can provide the safest care for you and your baby. 

All of the information on this page was created with practising health professionals. This page was reviewed in December 2025. We will next review the page in 2028.