Brushing for Two

Brushing for Two focuses on the importance of oral health care during pregnancy. Pregnancy impacts oral health of both the pregnant person and baby. Changes in the pregnant person’s mouth from hormones and negative birth outcomes (i.e. preterm and/or low-weight birth) can occur.

While Healthy Teeth. Healthy Baby. centers around the child, Brushing for Two places the pregnant person’s health in a position of importance. Outside of ensuring the health and hygiene of a pregnant person preparing for parenthood, Brushing for Two recognizes surrogacy, adoption, and other situations where oral health is just as important. Brushing for Two comes with the reminder that taking care of oral health is important at all stages of life, including before birth.

Why is Brushing for Two important? 

• Hormonal changes may make a pregnant person's gums sore, itchy, and bloody during brushing.
• An increased risk for preeclampsia (high blood pressure), preterm births, and low-birth-weight babies can result when oral health changes are not addressed.
• Stomach acid in the mouth from morning sickness weakens tooth enamel and increases the risk for cavities.
• Increased snacking due to cravings during pregnancy can lead to more cavities.
• Oral hygiene at home and regular dental check-ups protect the pregnant person’s mouth.
• Teaching oral health during pregnancy allows for new parents and caregivers to begin using good oral health practices right after birth.
• Acid-loving bacteria in a parent/caregiver’s mouth can pass to the baby’s mouth through saliva, e.g., if the caregiver licks the baby’s binky or bottle nipple clean then puts it back in the baby’s mouth.
• Pregnant people may ignore oral hygiene practices and not seek or receive dental care due to several factors: lack of knowledge about oral health, misconceptions, safety concerns, or economic issues.

Community connections

Through Brushing for Two, Oral Health Program representatives train community coordinators and staff about oral health needs of pregnant people. The Oral Health Program has also partnered with centers who assist pregnant people. This allows for the team to learn about barriers to oral health care from both pregnant clients and staff through discussions and activities.

Educational materials

To request Brushing for Two print materials, please complete the Material Request Form. For digital copies, please visit the Oral Health Materials page and download them there. 

Use is encouraged in any setting where pregnant people will be present and materials are free of cost for the public.

Learn more about pregnancy and oral health

• Learn more: CDC: Pregnancy and Oral Health.
• Use the American Academy of Pediatrics' Tiny Teeth Toolkit to connect moms to answers about oral health.
• Read the national guidelines for oral health care during pregnancy and through the lifespan.