Pregnancy and Your Teeth: What Actually Changes

February 2, 2026

If you’re pregnant and suddenly noticing that your gums bleed when you brush, or that your teeth feel more sensitive than usual, you’re not imagining things. Pregnancy does some surprising things to your mouth. And while most of these changes are temporary, ignoring them can lead to problems that stick around long after the baby arrives.

At Potomac Dental Centre, we see pregnant patients fairly often, and there’s usually a moment of relief when we explain that what they’re experiencing is normal. So let’s talk about what’s really going on in there.

Those Hormones Are Doing a Lot More Than You Think

You already know that pregnancy hormones affect your mood, your skin, your energy levels. But here’s something that doesn’t get as much attention: those same hormones (primarily estrogen and progesterone) dramatically change how your gums respond to the bacteria that are always present in your mouth.

During pregnancy, progesterone levels increase by about tenfold. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, this hormonal surge makes gum tissue more permeable and more reactive to plaque. The result? Your gums can become swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding even if your brushing and flossing habits haven’t changed at all.

This condition has a name: pregnancy gingivitis. And it’s incredibly common. Studies suggest that somewhere between 60% and 75% of pregnant women experience it. The good news is that it’s usually reversible. The not-so-good news is that if it’s left untreated, it can progress into something more serious.

The Link Between Gum Disease and Preterm Birth

Here’s where things get important. Research over the past two decades has found a connection between periodontal disease (the more advanced form of gum disease) and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight.

A 2006 study in the Journal of Periodontology found that pregnant women with chronic periodontal disease were significantly more likely to deliver before 37 weeks. The theory is that the inflammatory response triggered by gum infection can release prostaglandins and other chemicals that may induce early labor. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has acknowledged this link and recommends that pregnant women maintain good oral health throughout pregnancy.

Now, correlation isn’t causation, and researchers are still studying the exact mechanisms. But the takeaway is clear: taking care of your gums during pregnancy isn’t just about your comfort. It may actually matter for your baby’s health too.

Morning Sickness and Your Enamel

If you’ve been dealing with morning sickness (or, let’s be honest, all-day sickness), your teeth are taking a hit that you might not realize. When you vomit, stomach acid comes into contact with your teeth. That acid is strong enough to erode enamel over time, leading to increased sensitivity, discoloration, and a higher risk of cavities.

Here’s a tip that might seem counterintuitive: don’t brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. Your enamel is softened by the acid, and brushing right away can actually wear it down further. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a mixture of water and baking soda (about a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water) to neutralize the acid. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.

If morning sickness is severe and prolonged, let us know. We might recommend a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste or rinse to help protect your enamel during this time.

Is Dental Work Safe During Pregnancy?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is yes, with some caveats.

Routine dental care, including cleanings and exams, is not only safe during pregnancy but recommended. The American Dental Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both agree that preventive dental care is essential for pregnant women.

If you need dental work beyond a cleaning, the second trimester is generally considered the ideal time. By then, the critical early development stages have passed, and you’re likely more comfortable than you’ll be in the third trimester when lying back in a dental chair can get uncomfortable.

Local anesthesia (like lidocaine) is considered safe during pregnancy. Dental X-rays can also be done safely with proper shielding, though we typically postpone non-urgent X-rays until after delivery when possible.

What about more extensive procedures? If you have an infection or a dental emergency, it’s almost always better to treat it than to wait. Untreated dental infections can spread and potentially harm both you and your baby. We’ll work with your OB-GYN if needed to make sure any treatment plan is appropriate for your situation.

What You Can Do Right Now

Pregnancy is a lot to manage, so let’s keep this simple:

Keep brushing and flossing. Even if your gums bleed, don’t stop. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, and the best way to reduce inflammation is to keep removing the plaque that’s causing it. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle.

Come see us. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, schedule a dental checkup. We can address any existing issues before they become bigger problems and give you personalized advice based on what we see. Our salvia testing helps us target and eradicate the exact bacteria causing problems – keeping you from inadvertently sharing that bad bacteria with your baby.

Tell us you’re pregnant. Even if you think it’s obvious, let us know. It affects the medications we might prescribe, the X-rays we take, and the way we position you in the chair.

Don’t skip dental care because you’re worried it’s unsafe. The risks of untreated dental problems during pregnancy are greater than the risks of routine dental treatment.

Eat well. Your baby’s teeth start developing around the third month of pregnancy. Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus supports both your oral health and your baby’s developing teeth and bones.

After the Baby Arrives

Once you’ve delivered, most pregnancy-related oral changes will start to resolve on their own. Pregnancy gingivitis typically improves within a few months as hormone levels return to normal. Pregnancy tumors usually shrink or disappear.

But here’s something new parents don’t always think about: your oral health affects your baby’s oral health. The bacteria that cause cavities can be transmitted from parent to child through saliva (sharing spoons, cleaning a pacifier with your mouth, and so on). Taking care of your own teeth is one of the best things you can do for your baby’s future dental health.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy changes a lot about your body, and your mouth is no exception. The good news is that with a little extra attention, most pregnancy-related dental issues are manageable and temporary. We’re here to help you navigate this, whether that means a routine cleaning, treating a cavity that can’t wait, or just answering your questions.

At Potomac Dental Centre in Hagerstown, we’ve worked with plenty of expecting moms. Bring us your concerns, your questions, and yes, even your bleeding gums. We’ve seen it all, and we’re ready to help.

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