Can dental problems during pregnancy affect the baby?

Research suggests a link between severe gum disease during pregnancy and an increased risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. Maintaining good oral health and attending dental check-ups during pregnancy helps manage gum health and supports overall wellbeing for both mother and baby.

Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?

Routine dental treatment including check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and necessary X-rays (with appropriate shielding) is considered safe during pregnancy. The second trimester is generally the most comfortable time for treatment. Emergency dental work can be carried out at any stage of pregnancy.

Why do teeth feel more sensitive during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to inflammation. Morning sickness exposes teeth to stomach acid, which can temporarily soften enamel and increase sensitivity. Using a gentle toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash can help manage these changes.

Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?

Modern dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation. Most dentists will only take X-rays during pregnancy when clinically necessary, such as for diagnosing an abscess or planning urgent treatment. Routine screening X-rays are usually deferred until after birth.

The Importance of Your Dentist During Pregnancy

December 5, 2025

By Dr Jack Brazel BChD · Reviewed by Dr John Krezel, Specialist Prosthodontist

Pregnancy changes so much - your body, your hormones, even your gums. Amid the appointments, scans, and baby prep, your dental visits might not feel urgent.
But they should.

At MamaSmiles, we believe your mouth is a vital part of your overall wellbeing - and during pregnancy, caring for it protects both you and your baby. Here’s why your dentist plays such an important role at this stage.

1. Pregnancy hormones can affect your gums

Higher hormone levels can make gums more sensitive, swollen, and prone to bleeding - a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis.

Regular dental check-ups help your dentist spot early signs and give gentle cleaning or advice before irritation turns into infection.

At home, using a soft toothbrush and a gentle, hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste and MamaSmiles Mouthwash can help calm inflammation and protect enamel naturally.

2. Morning sickness can harm your teeth

Frequent nausea exposes teeth to stomach acids, which can weaken enamel. Your dentist can recommend ways to reduce acid damage and keep your mouth balanced.

Try rinsing with water or a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash after vomiting - never brush immediately, as softened enamel can wear away more easily.

Our MamaSmiles Mouthwash is designed to neutralise acids and refresh your mouth safely during pregnancy.

3. Dental infections can affect overall health

Untreated gum disease has been linked to complications like preterm birth and low birth weight. That’s why dentists often recommend maintaining your regular cleaning schedule, even while pregnant.

Your dentist can carry out gentle, safe treatments to keep your mouth healthy - and reassure you about which procedures or products are safe to use.

4. Safe dental care during pregnancy

Routine check-ups, cleanings, and most dental treatments are safe during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester.

Always tell your dentist you’re pregnant so they can adjust X-rays or medications if needed.

If you’re unsure, remember: prevention and early care are far better (and more comfortable) than treating problems later.

5. Oral care tips between visits

To support your dental health at home:

Brush twice daily with a gentle, pregnancy-safe toothpaste
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after morning sickness
Drink plenty of water and limit sugary snacks
Keep seeing your dentist regularly

6. It’s about more than teeth - it’s self-care

Caring for your mouth during pregnancy isn’t vanity - it’s part of caring for yourself and your growing baby. A clean, comfortable mouth helps you eat well, smile confidently, and reduces your risk of infection.

Your dentist is there not just to treat, but to support and guide you. And with gentle, natural products like MamaSmiles pregnancy toothpaste and mouthwash, you can maintain that care safely every day.

Final thoughts

Your dentist is an essential part of your pregnancy health team - right alongside your midwife and GP. Together, they help ensure both you and your baby stay healthy and happy.

At MamaSmiles, we’re passionate about creating natural, dentist-formulated oral care for pregnancy and beyond - safe, effective, and designed to protect before, during, and after morning sickness.

Because when mum feels good, everyone smiles. 💛

Try Pregnancy Pack | Save 20% on Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Dentist-developed formula
With hydroxyapatite to care for enamel
With vitamins C, E & B12
Xylitol for keeping mouths clean
Fluoride free and gentle for daily use

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About the Authors

Dr Jack Brazel and Dr John Krezel, Co-Founders of MamaSmiles

Dr Jack Brazel BChD Dr John Krezel BChD, MSc, DClinDent, MPros RCSEd, MFDS RCSEd

Co-Founders, MamaSmiles

Jack and John are award-winning dentists with clinical experience across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. John is a Specialist Prosthodontist registered with the GDC and Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. They co-founded MamaSmiles out of a shared belief that families deserve oral care products held to the same standard as clinical recommendations.

Our story Jack on LinkedIn

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have specific concerns about your child's oral health or your own during pregnancy, please speak to your dentist, GP, midwife, or pharmacist.