Looking after your mouth and gums

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase blood flow to gum tissues, causing sensitivity, bleeding, or swollen gums. This condition is known as pregnancy gingivitis. If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis may lead to poor pregnancy outcomes, including pre-term birth and low birth weight.

The best way to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy is through regular, thorough cleaning and routine dental check-ups. Be sure to contact a dentist If you have any concerns about your teeth and gums.   

Free NHS dental care should be available to all pregnant women and up to a year after the birth. If you are already registered with an NHS dentist, make sure you get regular check-ups during pregnancy. If you don't already have a dentist, you can search for a dentist near you by using this link How to find an NHS dentist - NHS (www.nhs.uk).