Do I need to visit the surgery during pregnancy?

Yes. Due to hormone changes during pregnancy, some women’s dental care needs special attention during this time. For instance, you may notice that your gums appear to bleed more easily.

Why are my gums bleeding?

Gums become inflamed during pregnancy and as a result they may bleed. This is due to the hormone changes in your body. This means that you must keep a high standard of oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly. This may include appointments with the dental hygienist for thorough cleaning and advice for caring for your teeth at home.

Is the treatment safe during pregnancy?

Yes. You should not have any problems with routine treatment. However, the department of health advises leaving the placement of amalgam fillings until after the baby is born. Also the use of certain antibiotics must be avoided during pregnancy.

What about dental x-rays?

Standard dental x-rays can be used during pregnancy. As the main beam is directed away from the womb there should really be no problems. Current guidance states that x-rays are safe to use during pregnancy. However, to be cautious, some patients may want to avoid having x-rays taken.

Does my teeth get damaged as a result of pregnancy?

There is no truth in the rumours about calcium deficiency due to pregnancy causing tooth problems or that you will lose one tooth for each child.

What if I am breastfeeding?

Some dentists advise that you shouldn’t have an amalgam filling while you are breastfeeding.

When will my babies teeth appear?

Your baby should start teething at around 6 months old and will continue until all 20 baby teeth are in the mouth. At around 6 years old, the adult teeth will begin to come through. This will continue until all the adult teeth, except the wisdom teeth, have come through at the age of 14 years old.

Is teething painful?

Most children do suffer some teething pains. Babies may suffer from a high temperature when they are teething and their cheeks may appear red and be warm to the touch.

Special teething gels are available to help reduce the pain. They may contain a mild analgesic (painkiller). Apply the gel using a finger or cotton wool and gently massage it onto your baby’s gum.

Teething rings can also help to soothe your baby. Certain teething rings can be cooled in the fridge which may help.

When should I take my baby to the dentist for the first time?

Bring your baby in to your own routine check-up. This can help the baby to get used to the surroundings. Your baby’s check-up should start anytime from about 6 months as this is the time that the baby starts to teeth.

Does breast-feeding affect my baby’s teeth?

The World Health Organisation recommends that, where possible, babies should be fed only breast milk until they are 6 months old.

There is research to suggest that breast-feeding for long periods can, in some cases, lead to tooth decay in your baby due to natural sugars in breast milk. However, it is widely accepted that breast milk is the best food for your baby.

Is bottle-feeding good or bad?

Feeding with a bottle is fine. But you must sterilise the bottle properly. Never add sugar or put sugary drinks into the bottle. Milk and water are the best drinks for teeth. Bottle-feeding with drinks containing sugar can lead to ‘bottle caries’ (tooth decay). A baby is not born with a sweet tooth and will only have a taste for sugar if it is given at an early age.

When should I stop bottle or breast feeding?

Early weaning from the breast or bottle can help stop your baby from developing dental problems that can be caused by drinking from a bottle. Try to get your baby to drink from a special cup by the time they are 6 months old, or when they are able to sit up and can hold things on their own.

What solid foods should I give my baby?

Savoury foods such as cheese, pasta and vegetables are better than sweet foods. Food that doesn’t contain sugar is better for your baby’s teeth. If your child is to have a drink in between meals it is important to have only water or milk instead of sugary drinks which can cause decay.

Will my baby need fluoride supplements?

Fluoride can strengthen teeth. However, an assessment of your baby’s teeth will need to be undertaken to best advise you on fluoride supplements.

When should I start cleaning my child’s teeth?

As soon as your baby starts teething. You may need to use a clean gauze or cloth wrapped around your forefinger to clean your baby’s teeth initially. When more teeth appear, a baby toothbrush will be essential. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste and gently massage it around the teeth and gums. It can be easier to clean their teeth if you cradle your baby’s head in your arms in front of you. Clean twice daily.

What about thumb sucking or a dummy?

If possible, avoid a dummy and discourage thumb sucking. These can both cause problems with how the teeth grow and develop and the child might require a brace later as a result. Never dip the baby’s dummy or teething ring into fruit syrups, honey, fruit juices, or anything containing sugars, particularly at bedtime. These can expose your baby’s teeth to harmful acids which can attack the newly formed teeth and cause decay.