Pregnancy & Oral Health
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Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it also brings new challenges — especially for your oral health. At Larkham House Dental Practice, we believe in empowering you with the facts so you can smile confidently throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it also brings new challenges — especially for your oral health. At Larkham House Dental Practice, we believe in empowering you with the facts so you can smile confidently throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Your body undergoes dramatic hormonal changes during pregnancy. These changes affect your entire system — including your mouth. The good news? Most oral health issues during pregnancy are preventable and highly manageable with the right care.
Hormones can increase your risk of:
Left unchecked, these problems can make eating, sleeping, and feeling your best more difficult — and some can even affect pregnancy outcomes. A growing body of research shows links between severe gum disease and preterm birth (although this does not mean gum disease causes it directly).
It does mean dental care matters.
Is it safe to visit the dentist while pregnant?
Yes!
Routine and check-ups & hygienist visits are safe throughout pregnancy. In fact, the second trimester is often the most comfortable time for dental treatments.
We tailor our care to your stage of pregnancy and overall health.
Can I have dental X-rays?
Yes — when clinically necessary.
Modern dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation. They are highly focused on the mouth and designed with safety in mind. Current guidance shows that dental X-rays are safe during pregnancy when they are justified and carefully planned.
At Larkham House Dental Practice, we only recommend X-rays if they are essential for diagnosing pain, infection, or other urgent concerns.
Your safety and your baby’s safety always come first, and we follow strict professional guidelines to ensure that every exposure is kept as low as reasonably achievable.
Why are my gums bleeding more during pregnancy?
Bleeding gums are one of the most common pregnancy oral health complaints.
Hormonal changes increase blood flow to the gum tissues. This can make them more sensitive to plaque. As a result, gums may look red, feel tender, or bleed when brushing or flossing. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis.
The solution isn’t to stop brushing. In fact, the opposite is true. Gentle but thorough cleaning helps reduce inflammation. Professional hygiene appointments during pregnancy are safe and highly beneficial.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease.
Early care makes all the difference.
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions we hear at Larkham House Dental Practice.
🚫 Not true.
Pregnancy does not automatically cause tooth loss. Tooth loss happens due to untreated decay or advanced gum disease — not pregnancy itself. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, your teeth can stay perfectly healthy during and after pregnancy.
🚫 Delaying care can make problems worse.
Untreated infections, pain, or gum disease can become more complex over time. Safe, timely dental care during pregnancy protects your health and prevents avoidable complications.
🚫 Also not true.
Your baby does need calcium to develop strong bones and teeth. However, that calcium comes from your diet — not directly from your teeth.
If your diet lacks calcium, your body will draw it from your bones, not your teeth. Tooth decay is caused by plaque and sugar interacting with bacteria, not by calcium loss from pregnancy.
A balanced diet with enough calcium, vitamin D, and regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste protects both you and your baby.
🚫 Not necessarily.
Dental problems don’t always cause pain straight away. Gum disease, early tooth decay, and even infections can develop quietly. Pregnancy hormones can also mask or exaggerate symptoms.
By the time pain appears, the issue may already be more advanced.
Routine dental check-ups during pregnancy allow us to detect problems early — often before you feel anything at all. Early treatment is simpler, more comfortable, and better for both you and your baby.
Pregnancy changes many things — but it does not mean sacrificing your oral health.
Healthy gums and teeth support your overall wellbeing. They also help you feel more comfortable during an already busy time. With good daily habits and regular check-ups, there is no reason pregnancy should harm your smile.
If you have questions about pregnancy and oral health, our team at Larkham House Dental Practice is always happy to help. Your smile deserves care at every stage of life.
Nausea and vomiting can expose your teeth to stomach acid.
To protect your enamel:
These simple steps help reduce enamel wear and keep your smile strong.
Healthy habits make a huge difference:
✔ Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush
✔ Use fluoride toothpaste
✔ Floss daily
✔ Eat balanced meals
✔ Stay hydrated
If your gums bleed, don’t ignore it. It’s a sign they may need a little extra care.
Pregnancy is a time of change — and your oral health deserves attention and care. We’re here to support you with safe, effective treatments and personalised advice. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your smile — and your baby’s future smile — will thank you!
Your child’s first trip to the dentist can set the tone for their oral health for years to come. At Larkham House Dental Practice in Plymouth, we aim to make that first visit positive, gentle, and helpful. Here’s what parents should expect, and how you can prepare.
Larkham House Dental Practice is now open and offering private emergency dental treatment across Plymouth to both our current patients as well as those without a regular dentist. We understand that there are times when you need to see a dentist as quickly as possible. Debilitating toothache, an infection, or a damaged tooth can all require immediate dental attention.
