Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding (pregnancy gingivitis). Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending routine dental appointments is very important during this time.

Common Myths

• Pregnancy does not cause you to lose calcium from your teeth
• You do not lose one tooth for every child
• Dental treatment is not unsafe during pregnancy

Routine dental care is safe during pregnancy. If treatment is needed:

• Local anaesthetic is safe (we may adjust the amount used)
• Dental X-rays are safe when necessary, as modern equipment emits low dosages of and directs radiation only to the mouth
• X-rays are usually avoided unless essential – mainly for reassurance rather than due to real risk

If you are pregnant, simply let us know and we will tailor your care appropriately.

• Under 3 years: A smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)
  • 1000 ppm fluoride
• 3–6 years: A pea-sized amount
  • 1350–1450 ppm fluoride

Children over 3 can use standard family toothpaste (check fluoride levels).

✔ Twice a day
✔ Last thing at night and one other time

After brushing:

• Spit out
• Do not rinse with water
• Do not swallow toothpaste

Leaving fluoride on the teeth helps protect against decay.

• Divide the mouth into four sections
• Clean the outside, inside and biting surfaces
• Use small circular movements
• Ensure all surfaces are covered
• Brush for around two minutes

As more teeth appear, brushing becomes even more important.

Children should be supervised while brushing and helped by an adult — ideally until at least age 7.

Not all children enjoy brushing at first.

Helpful tips:

• Use character toothbrushes
• Choose child-friendly flavoured toothpaste
• Use songs or timers
• Brush together as a family
• Offer praise and encouragement

Try to make brushing part of a positive daily routine.

We recommend bringing your baby to the dentist by around 1 year of age, or when the first tooth appears.

Early visits:

• Help your child become familiar with the dental environment
• Allow us to monitor development
• Provide parents with helpful advice

Children often look to their parents for reassurance. Staying calm and positive helps prevent dental anxiety.

If you are fearful or have concerns, avoid letting them hear about it; fear of the dentist can be acquired by observation. 

Being positive, supportive and bringing children regularly from a young age, helps to build their confidence and prevent or alleviate dental fear. Avoid using terms like ‘being brave’ – this implies there is something to fear.

You should focus on prevention and try to avoid the scenario where the child’s first visit is when there is dental need. When a child is in pain, or requires treatment right away, anxiety and fear will be heightened.

We recommend regular attendance from a young age, focusing on building positive experiences; simple ‘hellos’ and basic examinations are a good start.

Tooth decay is largely caused by sugar.

We recommend:

• Reducing sugary snacks and treats
• Offering water or milk as main drinks
• Avoiding fizzy drinks and fruit juices
• Avoiding diluted juice in bottles
• Never putting juice or fizzy drinks in bedtime bottles

At night:

• Avoid continuous feeding
• Use cooled water if needed
• Breast milk or formula is appropriate for infants

Frequent sugar exposure increases the risk of nursing caries (early childhood decay).

Non-Food Rewards

Instead of sweets or biscuits, consider:

• Stickers
• Crayons
• Colouring books
• Small toys

These cost a similar amount but last longer and protect your child’s health.

• Attend the dentist during pregnancy
• Start brushing as soon as the first tooth appears
• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Supervise brushing
• Reduce sugar intake
• Bring your child for regular check-ups