Pregnancy and Your Teeth: What Changes and Why

If you're pregnant and suddenly experiencing bleeding gums, sensitivity, or dental problems you've never had before—you're not imagining things. Pregnancy dramatically affects your oral health, and understanding why helps you protect your smile during these crucial months.

Here's what's happening: pregnancy triggers significant hormonal shifts, particularly increases in estrogen and progesterone. These hormones increase blood flow to your gum tissue, making it more sensitive, more reactive to plaque, and more prone to inflammation. Even with the same oral care routine you've always used, your gums may swell, bleed, or feel tender.

This condition is so common it has a name: pregnancy gingivitis. It affects up to 75% of pregnant women, typically appearing in the second month and peaking in the third trimester. Left unaddressed, it can progress to more serious periodontal disease, which research has linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

There's more. Morning sickness exposes teeth to stomach acid, eroding enamel. Cravings often lean toward sugary or acidic foods. Fatigue makes it tempting to skip nighttime brushing. And many women avoid dental visits during pregnancy, worried about safety—when actually, dental care is both safe and recommended.

So what can you do? First, don't brush immediately after vomiting—rinse with water and wait 30 minutes to avoid spreading acid. Second, maintain regular dental checkups. Third, upgrade your tools.

The Dandelion 360° Toothbrush is ideal for pregnancy-sensitive gums. With bristles just 0.08mm thin and rounded tips, it cleans effectively without irritation. The gentle massaging action supports gum health rather than aggravating inflammation.

Your body is doing incredible work. Give your oral health the support it needs.