There’s an old wives’ tale that a mother loses a tooth for every child she has.
Thankfully, that’s not true.
But like most myths, it didn’t come from somewhere completely random. Pregnancy can impact oral health - just not in the way people used to think.
Let’s unpack where the myth came from, what’s actually happening during pregnancy, and how to protect your smile (without fear).
Where Did the Myth Come From?
Long before modern dentistry, pregnancy often did line up with worsening dental health.
Not because babies were “stealing calcium from teeth” - but because:
• Nutrition (especially calcium and vitamin D) wasn’t optimal
• Dental care wasn’t routine
• Gum disease went untreated
• Access to preventative dentistry was limited
So people noticed women losing teeth around pregnancy and connected the dots… incorrectly.
Today we know much more. And thankfully, we have much better tools to protect oral health during pregnancy.
Does Pregnancy Affect Your Teeth?
Yes - but not in the way you might think.
Your baby does not take calcium from your teeth. If extra calcium is needed, it’s drawn from your bones - not your enamel.
However, pregnancy can absolutely make your teeth feel more sensitive or your gums more reactive.
And it’s very common.
Why Teeth Can Feel More Sensitive During Pregnancy
1. Hormonal Changes → Pregnancy Gingivitis
Increased progesterone and estrogen make your gums more inflamed and reactive to plaque. This can lead to swelling, bleeding, and tenderness - even if your routine hasn’t changed.
2. Gum Swelling or Recession
When gums swell or pull back slightly, they can expose more sensitive areas of the tooth.
3. Morning Sickness & Reflux
Stomach acid softens enamel. Repeated exposure (especially in the first trimester) can leave teeth feeling more sensitive.
4. Dry Mouth
Saliva protects enamel by neutralising acids and supporting remineralisation. Reduced saliva = less protection.
5. Frequent Snacking & Cravings
Small, frequent meals mean more acid exposure throughout the day - giving enamel less time to recover.
None of this means tooth loss is inevitable. It just means your mouth needs a little more support right now.
What Actually Helps
Use a Remineralising Toothpaste
Look for ingredients that support enamel strength - like hydroxyapatite.
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral naturally found in our teeth and bones. In toothpaste form, it works as a building block to help remineralise and strengthen enamel - especially helpful if enamel has been softened by acid exposure.
Grin Enamel Care Toothpaste with Micro + Nano Hydroxyapatite is formulated to help rebuild and fortify enamel while being gentle on sensitive mouths — ideal during pregnancy.
If You’ve Had Morning Sickness
Don’t brush immediately after vomiting or reflux. Enamel is softened by acid, and brushing straight away can cause more wear.
Instead:
• Rinse with water
• Wait about 30 minutes before brushing
Switch to a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
When gums are inflamed, a softer brush makes a big difference.
Grin Pro Gentle Care Toothbrush is designed with ultra-soft bristles to clean effectively while being kind to sensitive gums - especially helpful during pregnancy gingivitis.
Stay on Top of Gum Health
Flossing becomes even more important during pregnancy.
Hormones make gums more reactive to plaque, which means plaque sitting between teeth can trigger more inflammation and bleeding than usual.
Daily flossing helps remove that build-up before it causes irritation - and it can also support fresher breath during a time when nausea and dry mouth are common.
Grin Ultra Smooth Floss Picks are infused with New Zealand Mānuka Oil and are clinically proven to help reduce bad breath factors by up to 60% over just 7 days. The microfiber floss expands slightly in use to more effectively remove plaque from between teeth.
Keep Your Dental Appointments
Dentists absolutely want to see pregnant patients. Professional cleans and monitoring gum health during pregnancy are encouraged - not avoided.
A Brand Born From Pregnancy
Grin was founded during pregnancy.
Our founder was pregnant with her daughter, Tiana, and struggled with intense morning sickness. Brushing her teeth became something she dreaded - mainstream toothpaste flavours made it worse, and her mouth felt sensitive and reactive.
She couldn’t find an option that felt clean, effective, and gentle enough.
So she created one.
That’s how Grin was born - with the belief that oral care should support your health at every life stage, including pregnancy.
The Bottom Line
You don’t lose a tooth for every baby.
But pregnancy does change your body - and your mouth is part of that.
With the right care, the right tools, and a little extra support, your smile can stay strong through pregnancy and beyond.
And if brushing or flossing has felt harder lately - you’re not imagining it. It’s common. It’s manageable. And you deserve products that work with your body, not against it.
