Dental health is almost certainly not at the forefront of most women’s minds during pregnancy. However, lots of people do experience changes to teeth and gums during this period, and it is something to learn about. If you feel like your teeth are moving during pregnancy, you should speak with your dentist.
This is strange, but there are many issues associated with dental health during pregnancy, and this may happen due to many reasons. Perhaps there is something about diet changes, morning sickness, or hormones made in the body at this special time that influences teeth.
So here’s what you should know about your teeth and gums if you’re pregnant.
How pregnancy can affect oral health
Hormones
It is well noted that changes in levels of hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause affect the condition of a woman’s dental health and may be behind the higher rates of poor dental health suffered by women around the world as compared to rates in men, who undergo fewer fluctuations in their hormone levels.
Relaxin is a hormone secreted both by the ovaries and the placenta, which helps soften the ligaments. This is significant because it prepares the body for the act of giving birth. Ligaments loosen and stretch, and bones in the pelvis are temporarily displaced during birth.
Relaxin is thought to soften other parts of the body as well, including the ligaments that help secure teeth to the gums and jaw, which could shift when a woman is pregnant.
Women have reported that their teeth moved during pregnancy, and X-rays have confirmed this, with levels of relaxin being high during this time. Some women’s teeth became more crooked, while others actually saw crooked teeth correct themselves during pregnancy. The teeth of women are a lot more pliable during this time period, so if they wear braces, the process of moving teeth into a better position has become better and efficient.
Note: tooth shifting doesn’t happen in all women during pregnancies, but it’s something to be aware of and discuss with your orthodontist if you have braces or are considering them.
Pregnancy gingivitis
According to some estimates, 60–70% of pregnant women will have gingivitis of pregnancy, the result of increased progesterone. The progesterone causes more blood to flow to your gums and therefore increases the risks of sensitivity and bleeding when brushing and flossing.
Women can also develop swellings on the gum as a result of pregnancy gingivitis, which are known as pregnancy tumours (these tumours are not cancerous and will generally dissolve after you give birth).
Pregnancy gingivitis is different from periodontitis but can lead to periodontitis, so it’s best to try as much as possible to prevent and/or manage it through proper brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups, and a balanced diet that provides all the essential vitamins and minerals.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) During Pregnancy
Some women also experience or exacerbate bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of the teeth, during pregnancy. This could be related to stress, sleep disruption or clenching of the jaw due to hormone imbalances. If you’re waking up with headaches or jaw pain, discuss with your dentist the possibility of a night guard or explore stress reduction techniques. If unaddressed, bruxism can wear away at enamel and make teeth shift or loosen.
Bone Density and Calcium Deficiency
Pregnancy can also impact your bone density, particularly if you become calcium deficient. If the baby doesn’t get enough calcium from your diet, it’s possible that your body will draw it from your bones and teeth. Your teeth’s enamel doesn’t have living tissue like bones do, but the surrounding jawbone and periodontal structures can lose their strength, becoming susceptible to the hazardous tooth movement and tooth loss over time.
Get enough calcium and vitamin D in pregnancy. Dairy, leafy greens, fortified cereals and prenatal vitamins all contribute to keeping your teeth and bones strong while your body works to support a growing baby.
Pregnancy and cavities
Some would use their pregnancy as an excuse to indulge in treats they’d otherwise avoid, on the argument that they are eating for two. While this is understandable, the teeth are vulnerable to the effects of sugar during pregnancy. Cavities can form or old cavities can get deeper during pregnancy, and treating them can be more complicated since dentists typically avoid X-rays and anaesthetics until after delivery.
To avoid cavities, simply avoid overly sugary treats, and if you do indulge, make sure you clean teeth soon after eating.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is common in pregnancy. For some, it’s nausea throughout the day. For others, morning sickness is much more severe, and they could be throwing up repeatedly.
The stomach acid that rises past the teeth in this manner is destructive and can corrode enamel. If you are vomiting because of morning sickness, rinse your mouth out with water and brush your teeth as soon as you can.
Fatigue
Pregnancy can be tiring. It may feel like a chore just to get through basic daily tasks, including brushing and flossing, while your body is working hard to nurture the child. They may also brush less frequently, and as a result, oral hygiene may worsen.
Pregnancy is not a reason to neglect good dental hygiene, so if you’re too tired to do everything, prioritise cleaning your teeth and leave some other task aside instead.
So, do your teeth move during pregnancy? Long story short, yes it is possible and should be monitored.
Safe Dental Care During Pregnancy
A common concern is whether dental care is safe during pregnancy. The answer is yes—routine cleanings and exams are not only safe but recommended. The second trimester is typically the best time for any necessary procedures. Let your dentist know you’re pregnant so they can tailor care appropriately, including avoiding X-rays unless absolutely necessary and postponing elective procedures until after birth.
Contrary to popular belief, dental X-rays are now considered safe during pregnancy when proper shielding is used, especially for urgent care. So don’t delay treatment if something feels wrong—early intervention is better than complications later.
At Beachside Clinic, we are here to help keep your dental health in its best shape during your pregnancy and beyond. If you see any changes to your teeth or gums, or if you have any concerns, see your local dentist for a consult or come into our clinic. Also, make your next dental appointment before your baby is born. It’s much easier to have an appointment when you aren’t already meeting the demands of a newborn! (We’re happy to see you afterwards though.)
