Pregnancy can bring a lot of unexpected changes. Earlier this month, podcaster and former reality star Sophie Habboo, who is having her first child with husband Jamie Laing, shared that her teeth have been impacted.
'The best thing about pregnancy is my teeth are rotting,' she joked on NewlyParents, before quickly clarifying it’s actually very serious. 'I’ve always had thick white teeth and these aren’t veneers, these are my real teeth, but now they’ve gone a bit grey and see-through,' she said, adding, 'I can actually see my tongue behind them. They’re so thin, they’re frail.'
The influencer then went on to share that she has chipped the same tooth three times with the most recent time being biting into cottage cheese. 'I don’t understand what’s happening,' she said. 'They’re just breaking. My teeth are rotting from pregnancy.'
While many were surprised to hear this, dental experts were quick to share that this isn't an unusual pregnancy symptom.
'Pregnancy is a transformative experience, physically, emotionally, and yes, dentally. As both a practicing dentist and a mother of three, I’ve experienced first-hand how pregnancy can affect oral health, and I’ve seen countless patients handle these changes with a mix of surprise and concern,' says Zayba Sheikh, expert dentist and co-founder of Rüh Dental.
She went on to explain the first trimester often sees 'hormonal surges that can wreak havoc on your gums'. 'Many women experience pregnancy gingivitis, red, swollen gums that bleed easily. It’s incredibly common, affecting up to 70% of expectant mothers.'
Sheikh, who recently launched their newest clinic in Harrods, said that morning sickness can also impact teeth. Frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid which can then erode the enamel.
'If you’re dealing with nausea, avoid brushing immediately after vomiting. Instead, rinse your mouth with water mixed with a teaspoon of baking soda to neutralise the acid,' she advises. She also encourages those pregnant to arrange a dental check-up early on, maintain gentle but thorough brushing and flossing habits and to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
'By the second trimester, many women feel more stable physically, making it the safest and most comfortable time for dental treatments. If you need fillings, crowns, or even emergency procedures, this is the window to get them done,' she says.
She reiterated the importance of keeping up good dental practices even when it becomes fatiguing and hard. 'Untreated gum disease has been linked to pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, so don’t delay care if you’re experiencing symptoms like persistent gum bleeding or discomfort.'
Ruchira Sharma is Acting Senior Editor at Grazia, where she writes and edits features for print and digital. From online dating culture, to cryptocurrency and online conspiracy theories, she's most interested by how online life shapes society, and co-hosts the pop culture podcast Everything Is Content.