Pregnancy – The First Trimester

24 / 05 / 2023

Pregnancy – The First Trimester

Early pregnancy can be an exciting time, a nervous time until first scan, or just down right feeling miserable time!

Two common side effects of pregnancy that can affect your mouth

• Metallic taste. As with most side effects during the first trimester you can blame those pesky hormones. For some, the bitter metallic taste only temporarily goes away after eating acidic foods. If this sounds familiar and Monster Munch pickled onion & Haribo Tangfastics are your new favourite thing; for extra protection rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash at a different time to brushing.

Top tip: eat a small chunk of hard cheese to neutralise your mouth after consuming acidic food & drink.

• The obvious: pregnancy sickness. Freshen up by rinsing for 1 minute with a fluoride alcohol free mouthwash. (To prevent tooth wear, avoid brushing your teeth straight after, your teeth will have been softened by stomach acid).

Good news, for most, this passes at 12 weeks once your placenta starts functioning & the hormones are less crazy.

Look after your mouth during pregnancy;

• Brush twice a day & floss or use interdental brushes between your teeth once daily – if this seems an impossible task if you are nauseous or being sick try to find time in the day you feel less nauseous!
• Spit out but do not rinse your fluoride toothpaste away after brushing.
• Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease & this can increase during pregnancy. Gum disease has been linked to miscarriage. It can be managed with correct home care & professional support. Visit your dentist if you have concerns.
• Keep regular dental and hygienist appointments – healthy mum = healthy baby!

Christina