Oral Health›Life stages

Pregnancy and Your Teeth and Gums

Pregnancy can make gums more likely to bleed and morning sickness can expose teeth to acid. Here is how to protect your mouth, why dental treatment is safe while pregnant, and what free care is available.

Updated September 2026·By the OHA editorial team·7 min read·How we write
Key takeaways
  • Hormone changes can make your gums more easily inflamed, so they may swell and bleed. Keep brushing gently twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • After vomiting, rinse with water and wait before brushing, because brushing teeth still coated in stomach acid can damage the enamel.
  • Dental check-ups and most treatment, including local anaesthetic and dental X-rays, are safe during pregnancy. Always tell your dentist you are pregnant.
  • You can see a dentist at any stage, though many find the second trimester most comfortable.
  • In England, NHS dental treatment is free while you are pregnant and for 12 months after your baby is born.

Pregnancy does not in itself damage your teeth. The Better Health Channel and the Australian Dental Association both say that changes in hormones, habits and eating patterns can raise the risk of dental problems during pregnancy. The Australian Dental Association also says the old saying that you lose a tooth for every baby is a myth.

Why do my gums bleed more in pregnancy?

The American Dental Association and the Australian Dental Association explain that pregnancy hormones change how your gums react to plaque (the sticky film of bacteria on teeth), making them more easily inflamed. The result is sometimes called pregnancy gingivitis: gingivitis means inflammation of the gums, which become red, swollen and tender and may bleed when you brush or floss. The Better Health Channel says it is most likely to appear in the second trimester.

Bleeding gums are a sign of plaque building up near the gumline, so do not stop brushing. The Better Health Channel advises brushing gently but thoroughly at least twice a day with an extra soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. The Australian Dental Association says to check with your dentist if your gums keep bleeding even though you are caring for them well. The NHS advises regular dental check-ups, especially if you are pregnant.

Why it matters to get gum problems checked

Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that damages the gums, ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Pregnancy Birth and Baby, the Australian Dental Association and the Better Health Channel all say severe gum disease in pregnancy has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight, and the first two also mention pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy). The Better Health Channel notes that gum disease can be treated by a dentist during pregnancy.

The Better Health Channel says most hormone-related gum problems settle after the birth, though a small number of women develop ongoing gum disease.

Lumps on the gums

Some people develop a red, raised lump on the gum that bleeds easily. It is called a pregnancy tumour, pyogenic granuloma or pregnancy epulis. Despite the name, the American Dental Association says it is not cancer, and that these growths usually disappear after the baby is born.

Morning sickness and your teeth

Pregnancy Birth and Baby, the Better Health Channel and the Australian Dental Association all explain that repeated vomiting and reflux coat the teeth in strong stomach acid, which can wear away the hard outer layer (enamel). This is called dental erosion.

What they advise after you have been sick:

  • Rinse your mouth with plain water straight away.
  • Do not brush straight away. The Better Health Channel explains that brushing while the teeth are covered in acid can scratch the enamel.
  • Use a fluoride mouthwash, or smear a little fluoride toothpaste over your teeth with your finger. The Australian Dental Association says an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash is suitable, and Pregnancy Birth and Baby suggests checking with a pharmacist or dentist which mouthwash is safe for you.
  • If you are out, sugar-free gum helps your mouth make saliva to wash acid away (Australian Dental Association).
  • A drink of milk or a piece of hard cheese can help protect your teeth (Pregnancy Birth and Baby).

How long to wait before brushing differs between sources. The Better Health Channel and the Australian Dental Association both say to wait one hour. Pregnancy Birth and Baby says to wait at least 30 minutes. The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy site says your dentist may suggest rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda in water to neutralise excess acid. Your dentist can advise.

Gagging, cravings and daily care

If brushing your back teeth makes you gag, the Better Health Channel and the Australian Dental Association suggest a small-headed brush such as a child's one, going slowly, and closing your eyes and concentrating on your breathing. Pregnancy Birth and Baby and the Australian Dental Association suggest brushing at a different time of day if mornings are worst.

Craving sweet foods is common. Frequent sugary snacks raise the risk of decay, so the Australian Dental Association suggests lower-sugar snacks such as fresh fruit, cheese, crackers or plain yoghurt, having sweet treats with meals rather than between them, and rinsing with tap water afterwards. Pregnancy Birth and Baby suggests limiting sweet snacks to once a day.

Is dental treatment safe when you are pregnant?

Yes. The Australian Dental Association, the Better Health Channel and Pregnancy Birth and Baby all say dental treatment is safe during pregnancy, and the American Dental Association says experts encourage you to see your dentist while you are expecting. Both Australian sources warn that untreated decay and gum disease can cause infections that put you and your baby at risk.

  • Tell your dentist you are pregnant, and about any medicines you take. The American Dental Association says that if your pregnancy is high-risk, some treatments may be postponed.
  • Local anaesthetic (the injection that numbs the area) is safe in pregnancy, according to the Australian Dental Association, the Better Health Channel and the American Dental Association.
  • Dental X-rays can be taken during pregnancy, according to the Australian Dental Association (citing Australia's radiation safety agency) and the American Dental Association. On lead aprons, practice varies: the American Dental Association now says shielding is no longer needed for any patient, including in pregnancy, while the Australian Dental Association says an apron may be used. Our guide to dental X-rays has more. Pregnancy Birth and Baby is more cautious: it says X-rays are generally not recommended in pregnancy, especially the first trimester, but that most dental X-rays are safe because the dose is very small.
  • Elective treatment such as tooth whitening or implants may be put off until after the birth, says Pregnancy Birth and Baby. The Australian Dental Association does not recommend whitening while pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is no evidence either way on its safety.

When is the best time to go?

You can go at any stage, but the Australian Dental Association, the Better Health Channel and Pregnancy Birth and Baby say many people find the second trimester most comfortable, when morning sickness has usually eased and lying back is still easy. Pregnancy Birth and Baby recommends at least one check-up during pregnancy, ideally early on. The Australian Dental Association also recommends one before pregnancy if you are planning a baby.

Free NHS dental care in pregnancy

In England, the NHS says you can get free NHS dental check-ups and treatment if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or have had a stillbirth in the past 12 months. This covers NHS treatment only, not private treatment.

You may need to show proof, such as a maternity exemption certificate (MatEx). The NHS says to ask your midwife or GP about the certificate, which also gives you free NHS prescriptions. A maternity certificate (MatB1) or your baby's birth certificate can also be used.

The Australian and US pages we used for this guide do not describe an equivalent free scheme for pregnancy, so ask your dentist or local health service about costs.

When to see a dentist
  • Your gums keep bleeding even though you are brushing and cleaning between your teeth well.
  • You have toothache, or notice a lump, sore or other change in your mouth.
  • You have not had a dental check-up yet during this pregnancy.
Get help urgently
  • Swelling of your face or jaw, a high temperature, or intense tooth or gum pain may be a dental abscess, which the NHS says needs an urgent dental appointment or a call to NHS 111 (or your local equivalent).
  • Call 999 (or your local emergency number) if you are finding it hard to breathe, speak or swallow, or have a lot of swelling in your mouth.
  • If you cannot keep food or fluids down for 24 hours, vomit blood, have very dark urine or have not passed urine for more than 8 hours, the NHS says to contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a filling while pregnant?

Yes. The American Dental Association says the numbing medicines used for fillings, root canal treatment and extractions are safe for you and your baby, and the Australian Dental Association says dental treatment should not be avoided for this reason.

Is it true you lose a tooth for every baby?

No. The Australian Dental Association says this is a myth. Pregnancy does not directly damage teeth, although it can raise the risk of gum problems, decay and erosion.

When do my baby's teeth start to form?

The American Dental Association says a baby's teeth begin to form between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, and that all 20 baby teeth are already in place under the gums at birth.

Sources

  1. Gum disease, NHS, accessed September 2026
  2. Who can get free NHS dental treatment or help with dental costs, NHS, accessed September 2026
  3. Dental abscess, NHS, accessed September 2026
  4. Vomiting and morning sickness, NHS, accessed September 2026
  5. Looking after your teeth during pregnancy, Pregnancy Birth and Baby (healthdirect Australia), accessed September 2026
  6. Pregnancy and teeth, Better Health Channel (Victoria), accessed September 2026
  7. Oral health and pregnancy, Australian Dental Association, accessed September 2026
  8. Pregnancy and your dental health, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), accessed September 2026
  9. X-rays, American Dental Association (MouthHealthy), accessed September 2026

This article is general information about oral health. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a dentist or doctor who knows your situation. If you have pain, swelling, bleeding that does not settle, or a problem that is getting worse, see a dental professional. In an emergency, contact your local emergency service.

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