Pregnancy can bring many changes, including changes in your mouth. Hormonal shifts may make gums more sensitive, swollen or prone to bleeding. Morning sickness can also expose teeth to stomach acid. These concerns do not mean every pregnant patient will develop a dental problem, but they are good reasons to keep up with home care and talk openly with your dentist.
If you are looking for dental care during pregnancy in Ottawa, tell the dental team that you are pregnant, how far along you are and whether your physician or midwife has identified any health concerns. Your dentist can then assess your individual needs and discuss the timing and options for any recommended care.
Why gums can change during pregnancy
The Public Health Agency of Canada explains that hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect gum health. Some people notice redness, swelling, tenderness or bleeding, even when they have been brushing and flossing regularly. This is sometimes called pregnancy gingivitis.
Bleeding gums should not automatically be assumed to be harmless. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease involving the tissues and bone that support the teeth. A dental examination can help identify the cause of symptoms and determine whether professional cleaning or other care may be appropriate.
Contact a dental professional if gum swelling or bleeding persists, or if you notice pain, a bad taste, a loose tooth or other changes that concern you.
A practical daily oral-care routine
The Government of Canada recommends brushing twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, along with daily flossing. Fluoridated water can also help protect teeth where it is available.
During pregnancy, a comfortable routine may be easier to maintain than an overly complicated one:
- Brush gently along the gumline twice each day.
- Floss or clean between the teeth daily.
- Replace a worn toothbrush and consider a smaller brush head if gagging is a problem.
- Choose water regularly and limit frequent sugary drinks or snacks.
- Arrange a dental assessment if pain, swelling, bleeding or sensitivity continues.
Your dentist or dental hygienist can suggest adjustments based on your mouth, symptoms and medical history.
Morning sickness and tooth enamel
Vomiting can expose teeth to stomach acid, which may temporarily soften the enamel surface. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises rinsing with water or a fluoride mouth rinse after vomiting, waiting at least 30 minutes, and then brushing. Brushing immediately after acid exposure may increase wear on the softened surface.
If vomiting is frequent or you notice increasing sensitivity, mention it to both your prenatal health-care provider and your dentist. They can discuss your individual situation rather than relying on general online advice.
When should you arrange a dental visit?
Government of Canada guidance recommends scheduling a checkup during the first trimester for cleaning and an oral-health assessment, and telling the oral-health professional that you are pregnant. If dental work such as a filling is needed, the federal guidance identifies the second trimester as the preferred time for routine treatment.
Timing still depends on the person and the problem. Pain, swelling, trauma or signs of infection should not simply be ignored while waiting for a particular trimester. Call the dental clinic so the concern can be triaged. Your dentist may also coordinate with your physician, midwife or other health-care provider when medical history, medications or pregnancy complications require additional consideration.
What information should you share with the dental team?
Before an examination or treatment, be ready to discuss:
- how far along you are;
- current medications, vitamins and supplements;
- allergies or previous medication reactions;
- medical conditions or pregnancy complications;
- advice provided by your physician or midwife; and
- any pain, swelling, bleeding, sensitivity or morning-sickness symptoms.
Ask questions if you are unsure why a procedure, medication or dental image is being considered. The dental team should explain the purpose, alternatives and timing in relation to your individual care. Government of Canada patient guidance advises avoiding dental X-rays during pregnancy unless they are needed for an emergency and using protective shielding if an X-ray is necessary. Your dentist can explain how that guidance applies to the specific concern being assessed.
When to call promptly
Call a dental clinic promptly for significant tooth pain, facial or gum swelling, dental trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, fever with a dental concern, or a worsening problem that affects eating, drinking or sleeping. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, trouble breathing or swallowing, or another medical emergency, seek urgent medical help.
Online information cannot diagnose the cause of dental symptoms. An in-person assessment is the safest way to understand what is happening and what options may be suitable.
Dental care during pregnancy at Ottawa Smiles
Ottawa Smiles Family Dental provides general dental care on Bank Street in Ottawa. Clinical care is available in English, Arabic and Spanish. French-speaking front-desk and administrative support is available; this does not mean French-language clinical care is offered.
To discuss an oral-health concern during pregnancy, request an appointment or call 613-520-0222. We normally respond to website appointment requests within one business day. For urgent concerns, please call rather than relying on the website form.
This article provides general educational information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from your dentist, physician, midwife or other regulated health-care professional. Treatment recommendations depend on an individual assessment.
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Resumen en español
Los cambios hormonales del embarazo pueden aumentar la sensibilidad o el sangrado de las encías, y los vómitos pueden exponer los dientes al ácido del estómago. La Agencia de Salud Pública de Canadá recomienda cepillarse dos veces al día con pasta fluorada, usar hilo dental a diario e informar al dentista sobre el embarazo. Si tiene dolor, hinchazón o sangrado persistente, solicite una evaluación individual. La atención clínica en español está disponible con la Dra. Marisol Seguel dentro de los datos confirmados por la clínica.
Résumé en français
La grossesse peut rendre les gencives plus sensibles, et les nausées peuvent exposer les dents à l’acide gastrique. Les conseils fédéraux recommandent le brossage deux fois par jour avec un dentifrice fluoré, l’utilisation quotidienne de la soie dentaire et une discussion avec un professionnel de la santé buccodentaire. Ottawa Smiles offre un accueil et un soutien administratif en français; les soins cliniques ne sont pas annoncés comme étant offerts en français.