How Pregnancy Can Affect Your Teeth and Gums

There are many old wives’ tales about pregnancy, including the myth that you should expect to lose a tooth for every child. While this isn’t the case, it is true that hormone changes during this time can increase the risk of dental problems and associated health risks for some women.

You can lower your risk of developing these problems and help your teeth and gums to stay healthy by maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular visits to the dental clinic before, during and after your pregnancy.

Dental concerns during pregnancy

Everyone needs to take good care of their teeth and gums, but hormone changes can put pregnant women at higher risk of developing certain problems. These include:

Gum disease (pregnancy gingivitis)

Gum disease happens if plaque spreads from teeth to the gum line. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which you might have if your gums bleed, feel itchy or appear red or swollen. Hormones that increase blood flow to the gums increase the risk of gum disease developing during pregnancy.

As well as causing discomfort, gingivitis that isn’t treated in time may develop into periodontitis. This is a more serious dental disease that can cause permanent damage to the gums and jaw or even tooth loss. There is also evidence that gum disease in pregnant women may increase the risk of giving birth prematurely.

Following good oral hygiene should lower your gum disease risk during pregnancy. If you think you might already have it, make an appointment with your dentist for an oral health assessment and to discuss gum disease treatments.

Tooth decay

If you have pregnancy cravings for unhealthy food or drink that are high in sugar, starch or acids, this can feed bacteria in your mouth and spread plaque, leading to tooth decay and possibly cavities.

Trying to avoid giving into these cravings, substituting healthy snacks and talking to your dentist for advice should help to keep your teeth free from decay and avoid the need for treatments such as fillings.

Tooth erosion

Teeth are also at risk during early pregnancy from vomiting brought on by morning sickness. Vomit is highly acidic and can weaken teeth enamel when it’s exposed frequently.

Some women accidentally cause more damage to their teeth by brushing straight after vomiting, which can strip away some of the enamel. It’s recommended that you rinse your mouth right away, but don’t brush for at least 30 minutes after vomiting, so your teeth have a chance to recover.

When should I visit the dentist?

It’s recommended that you see your dentist if you’re planning to get pregnant soon, even if it’s not time for your regular check-up yet. Your dentist may recommend that you visit several times during your pregnancy, due to the higher risk of problems such as gum disease, so they can monitor your oral health more closely and provide hygiene treatments to help keep plaque at bay.

Some dental procedures should ideally be avoided during pregnancy, such as x-rays in the first trimester. Any dental treatments you’ve been delaying such as wisdom teeth removal can also be taken care of in advance to avoid possible complications later.

Need to see a dentist in Balmain?

If you want to talk to a dentist for advice about pregnancy or any other issue, get in touch with our friendly team at Dentistry by Design.

Call our Balmain dentists on 02 9810 5507 or contact us to book an appointment today.

Your Balmain Dentist

Book a consultation with our internationally-recognised professionals at Dentistry by Design to discuss your options today. Call us on 02 9810 5507 to book an appointment.
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Rebecca Silveira

Rebecca Silveira

Practice Manager

Rebecca has over 25 year’s experience in the dental industry. 

Rebecca started her career as a dental assistant/front office coordinator. Through the years, she progressed into treatment coordinating and then practice management. 

She has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist. Her management & people skills allow her to provide support to the Dentistry By Design team day in, day out. 

Rebecca is passionate about dentistry and loves being privileged enough to be part of an amazing team that changes people’s lives!

Marianna Doumanis

Oral Health Therapist

Marianna completed a Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University of Sydney in 2013. With a dual qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy she gained invaluable experience working in both public and private practice.

In July 2022, Marianna completed a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) at Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary.

Marianna’s aim is to foster a safe and reassuring environment by ensuring that all dental services provided are individually tailored to each patient.

She is a member of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapist Association, the Australian Dental Association, and a European state Dental Association.

In her spare time, Marianna is an avid rower, having won both state and national titles.

Marianna is currently working as an Oral Health Therapist whilst undertaking the Australian Dental Council Registration.

Kate Hemmings

Kate Beaumont

Oral Health Therapist

Kate completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2014.  As an Oral Health Therapist, dual-qualified to practice as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, she has a strong interest in preventative dental care and believes that oral health is an integral part of overall health.

Kate enjoys working with children and adults alike, educating, motivating and assisting in maintaining teeth for life. Her interest in continuing professional education helps her remain consistent with modern dental practices and progressive treatment plans.

Kate enjoys working in a thriving team and works effectively along-side other highly qualified professionals. She has an interest in the growing industry of cosmetic procedures and excels in performing these treatments. Her approachable and reassuring nature creates a positive dental experience for all patients.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants and travelling. She appreciates the simple pleasures of a coffee and a walk but also loves an extravagant day at the races with all her friends.

Nadia Azzi

Nadia Azzi

Oral Health Therapist

Nadia completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2012. With a passion for preventative dentistry and treating children Nadia has a keen focus on providing pain free, thorough treatment for all patients. 

An experienced Oral Health Therapist who values patient care and is committed to ensuring patients receive the best care possible, Nadia is committed to staying up to date with the latest dental practices and treatments available. 

As part of the dental team, Nadia believes that the Oral Health Therapist’s role is of utmost importance in maintaining the oral health of patients of all ages. She has a passion for counselling patients with previous dental trauma and helping them through regular dental treatment as well as setting good foundations in oral health for younger patients and providing them with happy, fun dental experiences. 

Nadia has also served as director and dental mission coordinator for Maronites on Mission, a non-profit which helps the homeless in Australia and runs annual dental and medical mission trips to the Philippines and Lebanon. She enjoys charitable work immensely and is always looking for new ways to use her skills to help those in need. 

Outside of dentistry, Nadia enjoys spending time with and caring for her family, cooking and travelling.

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Specialist Periodontist
BDS(Distn), DCD(Perio)

Rebecca undertook her dental training at Otago University in New Zealand graduating top of her class with her BDS(Distinction) in 2011. 

Dr Teck Tang

Dr Teck Tang

Specialist Periodontist
BDSc Hons (WA) DClinDent (Perio) (Adel) FRACDS (perio) 

Dr Teck Tang graduated with his Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Western Australia. He then completed his specialist training in Periodontics.

Dr Iain Gavan

Dr Iain Gavan

Dentist
BChD (Leeds, UK), MFDS, PGDipDigitalOrtho(UK) 

Dr Iain Gavan has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and provides the most up to date modern dental care in a calm and empathic manner. He enjoys building long term relationships with his patients.

Iain is dedicated to continuing professional development in a rapidly changing field. In 2020 he completed a diploma in digital orthodontics, increasing his expertise straightening teeth with clear aligners (such as Invisalign).  He also spent time at the world-renowned Kois Institute in Seattle (USA) in 2018, which teaches the most up to date and highly regarded evidence based dentistry. He completed the Master Implant Program in 2022 at the renowned Brener Institiute in Sydney, which is a leading training centre in implant placement and tooth replacement.

Originally from Lancashire in North West England, Iain qualified from Leeds University in the UK. He has spent time working in a Maxillofacial department in Manchester (UK), gaining experience in oral surgery, facial injury reconstruction, head and neck cancer and dental emergencies.

Iain moved to Australia in 2014 and became an Australian Citizen in 2018. He has worked at distinguished private practices in Forster (NSW), Melbourne and Ballarat. Iain has worked at a state of the art clinic, that specialises in using advanced technology to digitally design smiles and replace teeth using the Allon4 implant system, gaining valuable experience in complex full mouth rehabilitations and the development of new smiles.

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, The Faculty of Dental Surgery (UK) and was a member of Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow. He also carried out dental charity work in Southern India, providing dental care to remote communities.

In 2021 he welcomed his first daughter and is enjoying parenthood. In his spare time Iain enjoys spending time with his photography, travelling, walking his dog Murphy and exploring Sydney.

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Dr Jemima Kalos

Dr Jemima Kalos

Dentist
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I), Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours I), Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants) 

Dr Jemima Kalos is committed to excellence in Dentistry and the provision of outstanding dental care to her patients. Dr Kalos graduated with a Bachelor of Dentistry with First Class Honours after completing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I) at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Kalos has also completed extensive continuing education in Dentistry in Australia and the USA including obtaining the highest mark and a distinction in the selective Post graduate Diploma in Oral Implants through the University of Sydney. She has also successfully completed her Primary examinations for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

Dr Kalos has been presented with numerous awards for clinical and academic excellence in Dentistry including the prestigious Rudolf Gunz University Medal, The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Prize, The Martin Halas Prize and The John Stephen Hill Memorial Prize. Her special interests include restorative and cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics and implants and provision of dental treatment to anxious patients.

She is past Treasurer of the Australian Prosthodontic Society (NSW) and also a member of the respected American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Outside of dentistry, Jemima has enjoys cooking, staying fit and spending time with her husband and three small children.

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