What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Top Dental Tips for Mums-to-Be

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Pregnancy is such a special time — your body is doing something truly miraculous. But did you know…? Those same hormones supporting your baby can also affect your oral health.

At Covent Garden Dental Spa, we love caring for expectant mums, helping you feel calm, informed, and confident about your smile during every stage of pregnancy — and beyond.

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We were thrilled and incredibly proud that we were London Finalists for Practice of the Year at the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards 2024!

Did you know…?

Your gums can become more sensitive.
Hormonal changes can make gums more prone to inflammation — a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. You might notice tenderness or light bleeding when brushing. Regular gentle cleaning and hygiene visits help keep your gums healthy and comfortable.

Your baby’s teeth start forming at just six weeks.
Your diet and oral health play an important role in helping those tiny tooth buds grow strong and healthy.

Morning sickness can weaken enamel.
If you’ve been feeling queasy, rinse with plain water or a little bicarbonate of soda afterwards to neutralise stomach acid. Do not brush your teeth straight away, as they will be softened by the acid from your stomach. Wait about an hour before brushing to protect the enamel. When you do brush, use a gentle toothpaste like Sensodyne Pronamel to reduce sensitivity and strengthen tooth surfaces.

Cravings can change your smile too.
If you’re craving snacks, choose tooth-friendly options such as unsalted nuts, dried apricots, celery sticks, carrot sticks with hummus, or roasted savoury edamame beans. They’re kinder to teeth and help keep you satisfied between meals.

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Top Tips for a Healthy Smile

  • Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
  • Floss or use interdental brushes gently every day.
  • Drink plenty of water to wash away acids.
  • Enjoy calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods to support you and your baby.
  • Keep up regular dental and hygiene visits — prevention is the gentlest care.

What’s Safe During Pregnancy

Good news — most dental care is perfectly safe while you’re expecting:

  • Regular check-ups and hygiene appointments
  • Fluoride toothpaste and polish
  • Local anaesthetic in small doses
  • Emergency dental care for infection or pain
  • Preventive treatments like cleaning, scaling and fluoride varnish

Our caring clinicians always discuss what’s best for you and your baby before any treatment.

private dentistry awards 2024 - practice of the year london finalist image

We were thrilled and incredibly proud that we were London Finalists for Practice of the Year at the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards 2024!

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What to Avoid (For Now)

A few procedures are best postponed until after your baby arrives:

  • Dental X-rays — we avoid taking them during pregnancy whenever possible. However, there are rare occasions when an X-ray is needed to diagnose urgent problems, such as infection or severe pain. In these cases, we carefully weigh the risks and benefits before proceeding. If an X-ray is taken, rest assured it’s completely safe — dental X-rays focus only on the mouth and do not affect the abdomen. We also use the lowest radiation dose possible.
  • Teeth whitening or elective cosmetic treatments — better to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Amalgam (silver mercury) fillings — this is removal of old amalgam fillings and placing go new amalgam fillings. We never use these; Covent Garden Dental Spa is proudly mercury-free. But if we have to remove them during pregnancy due to infection of tooth ache during pregnancy, we will ensure to use methods that are safe. 
  • Veneers, smile makeovers or non-urgent extractions — can usually wait until after birth.
  • Nitrous oxide sedation — generally avoided unless medically necessary.
private dentistry awards 2024 - practice of the year london finalist image

We were thrilled and incredibly proud that we were London Finalists for Practice of the Year at the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards 2024!

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After Pregnancy and While Breastfeeding

Did you know hormonal changes continue after birth? While breastfeeding, oestrogen and progesterone levels can still fluctuate, which may leave gums feeling slightly more tender.
Keep up gentle brushing, a healthy diet, and regular hygiene visits — they support your recovery and your smile during this beautiful new chapter.

Myths vs Facts

Myth: You shouldn’t see a dentist when pregnant.
Fact: Dental care is safe and encouraged — healthy gums support a healthy pregnancy.

Myth: Pregnancy steals calcium from your teeth.
Fact: Calcium for your baby comes from your diet, not your teeth.

private dentistry awards 2024 - practice of the year london finalist image

We were thrilled and incredibly proud that we were London Finalists for Practice of the Year at the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards 2024!

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A Final Word of Care

Pregnancy and early motherhood bring many changes — and your smile deserves care too. A healthy mouth supports a healthy body, helping both you and your baby thrive.

Book your pregnancy-safe dental check-up today at Covent Garden Dental Spa — your calm, elegant sanctuary in the heart of London.

For more guidance, visit the official NHS advice page on dental health during pregnancy.

private dentistry awards 2024 - practice of the year london finalist image

We were thrilled and incredibly proud that we were London Finalists for Practice of the Year at the prestigious Private Dentistry Awards 2024!

Frequently asked questions

How often should I see the hygienist?

Every 3-6 months, depending on your gum health. Regular hygiene care helps prevent pregnancy gingivitis.

Can I have an X-ray if I’m pregnant?

We avoid them whenever possible. If one is absolutely necessary, we use full protection and a very low dose — dental X-rays are localised and do not affect your abdomen or baby.

Is fluoride safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Fluoride toothpaste and varnish are completely safe during pregnancy and play an important role in protecting teeth from decay. Using fluoride helps strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities — especially if morning sickness or cravings have increased your acid or sugar exposure.

What if my gums bleed?

Don’t stop brushing — use a soft brush and gentle technique. Bleeding improves with consistent care and professional cleaning.

Can I whiten my teeth while pregnant?

Wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding, when enamel sensitivity is lower.

Do I need to tell my dentist I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes — this helps us tailor your care safely and avoid any unnecessary procedures.

Do I need to tell my dentist I preparing for to thinking of having a baby?

Yes this is important to share as it helps us to plan your treatments and prevention of future issues that may arise and also decide the best timing to take radiographs.