Fillings: To repair cavities with materials such as composite resin or amalgam

Crowns: Often used for severely decayed or damaged teeth to restore function and appearance 

Pulp Therapy: Including pulpotomies or root canal therapy for treating infections or damage to the dental pulp

Space Maintainers: To keep space open for permanent teeth if primary teeth are lost prematurely

Clear Aligners: Clear aligners that can be used for mild to moderate orthodontic issues 

Preventative orthodontic appliances: fixed or removeable appliances to create space in the mouth while the mouth is still growing to prevent crowding of teeth

Trauma Management: Treatment for teeth that are knocked out, chipped, or otherwise injured

Abscess Treatment: Addressing infections that can cause pain and swelling 

Sedation/ Theatre Dentistry: For children who have significant anxiety or difficulty sitting still during procedures

Behavioral Management: Techniques to help children feel more comfortable during dental visits

PREGNANCY-RELATED DENTAL CARE

Pregnancy does not cause poor oral health or damage to teeth. But changes in lifestyle and body processes (e.g. baby development) may increase your risk of dental problems during pregnancy.

Before pregnancy

You’re less likely to have dental problems during pregnancy if you take care of your teeth and gums before you are pregnant. The most important tip is: 

If you’re planning on getting pregnant, see your dentist to discuss any treatments that can be done before your pregnancy. Then there is less to worry about during the pregnancy.

Tell your dentist you are pregnant

Dentists want to take extra precautions when they know you’re pregnant to ensure your dental treatment is safe for you and your baby.

Untreated decay and gum disease can lead to infections, which can be a risk to you and your baby. Common concerns about dental treatment during pregnancy include local anaesthetics and dental x-rays. These are both safe during pregnancy. However, if you have concerns, speak to your dentist so they can discuss your individual needs and options.

Safest time for dental treatment during pregnancy

If you need dental treatment during pregnancy, non-urgent procedures can often be performed during the 2nd trimester. However, you can see the dentist at any stage of your pregnancy. Some women find it is most comfortable during the 2nd trimester, when morning sickness has reduced and before the increased size of the baby makes them uncomfortable.

Don’t forget the “4th trimester” – breastfeeding takes a lot from your body and accelerates decay.  Make sure to look after yourself as well as your baby.  Cavity causing bacteria can be transferred from mother to baby via vertical transmission, e.g. kissing your baby on the mouth, even by a caregiver or family.  

Causes of dental health problems

Hormone changes and gum problems:

Pregnancy hormones can make some women be at risk of gum problems including:

• gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) 
• periodontal disease 
• pregnancy epulis or pyogenic granuloma  (a red, round growth on the gum).

If you have gum problems during pregnancy, it’s important to get them checked by a dentist before you give birth. While most types of gum problems caused by pregnancy hormones resolve after birth, a small number of women may develop ongoing gum disease that will need treatment after pregnancy.

If your gums bleed, don’t stop cleaning your teeth. Continue to use a soft-headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush at least twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. 

Visit the oral hygienist for a cleaning to treat the bleeding gums.

Vomiting can damage teeth

Pregnancy hormones soften the ring of muscle that keeps food inside the stomach. Gastric reflux (regurgitating food or drink) or the vomiting associated with morning sickness can cover your teeth with strong stomach acids. Repeated reflux and vomiting can damage the surface of the tooth (the enamel) and increase the risk of decay.

Try these suggestions if you’re experiencing vomiting:

• Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after vomiting. While the teeth are covered in stomach acids, the actions of brushing may scratch the tooth enamel.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain tap water.
• Follow up with a mouthwash containing fluoride.
• If you don't have a fluoridated mouthwash, put a blob of toothpaste containing fluoride on your finger and smear it over your teeth (not with toothbrush). Rinse thoroughly with water.
• Wait for an hour after vomiting before you brush, because the enamel (outer tooth surface) is weak directly after vomiting.

If you experience recurrent severe vomiting, speak to your doctor or obstetrician about other strategies to manage your symptoms.

Gagging while brushing teeth

Some pregnant women find that brushing their teeth, particularly the back teeth, can cause gagging. However, it’s important to brush all your teeth to avoid tooth decay.

Some tips to help prevent gagging include:

• Use a toothbrush with a small soft head, such as a brush made for toddlers.
• Take your time. Go slowly when you brush.
• It may help to close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing.
• Try listening to music.
• If the taste of the toothpaste causes you to gag, switch to another brand. Or brush your teeth with water and then use a mouthwash containing fluoride. Go back to brushing with toothpaste containing fluoride as soon as you can.
• Food cravings while pregnant

Some women have unusual food cravings while pregnant. If you have cravings for sugary or acidic snacks, it’s best to avoid them as it may increase your risk of tooth decay. Try to choose healthier options, such as fresh fruit. Afterwards, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash containing fluoride. 

Reduce the frequency of snacking to allow your mouth to rest. It is important to restore the pH back to neutral, because every time we eat or drink it lowers our saliva’s pH making our mouth acidic which demineralizes our teeth (causing cavities) and causes our gums to bleed. 

If your cravings continue, speak to your dentist about preventive treatments and other products containing calcium or fluoride which may offer you more specific protection.

Don’t forget:

Increase your calcium during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you will need to increase the amount of calcium you eat or drink to protect your bones and the needs of your developing baby. Otherwise, it will be taken directly from your body and weaken your bones and teeth.

Increase your vitamin D during pregnancy

Vitamin D helps the body to utilise the much-needed calcium. Small amounts of sun exposure can help to support vitamin D levels. Take care not to get sunburnt.

If you’re not getting enough vitamin D from your diet, you can take supplements – ask your doctor or obstetrician if you need to take a vitamin D supplement.