Pregnancy and Oral Health: What Every Mom-to-Be Should Know

When you’re expecting, your health decisions affect not just you, but your baby too. While prenatal vitamins, doctor visits, and nutrition often get top billing, oral health is just as crucial during pregnancy. In fact, the 2025 State of America’s Oral Health and Wellness Report found that half of women who are or have been pregnant recognize the value of oral health as part of prenatal care. More than 1 in 2 women who are or have been pregnant are likely to prioritize dental visits (54%), as they believe it is as important as scheduling their annual physical. However, it's important to raise awareness about how oral health impacts both maternal and infant wellness.

Here’s what you need to know about the risks, the solutions, and how caring for your smile can support a healthier pregnancy and baby.

Why Oral Health Is Crucial During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings about dramatic hormonal changes, and those shifts can affect your mouth. Increased hormone levels can:

• Make gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria

• Increase blood flow to gum tissue, leading to swelling and tenderness

• Heighten your risk for oral health conditions

Poor oral health isn’t just a dental issue. Research shows that gum disease has been linked to higher risks of preterm birth and low birth weight. Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is part of taking care of your baby.

A third (33%) of adults understand that pregnant individuals are at greater risk for periodontal (gum) disease.

Over one in four adults (26%) recognize that periodontal disease may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-term birth and low birth weight.

Common Oral Health Issues During Pregnancy

1. Pregnancy Gingivitis

   This is one of the most common oral health concerns for expecting mothers. 60% to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. Hormonal changes make gums more sensitive to plaque. Let your dentist know if you notice any of the following symptoms:

   1. Red, swollen, or tender gums

   2. Bleeding while brushing or flossing

2. Increased risk of cavities

   Morning sickness exposes teeth to stomach acid, eroding enamel. While food cravings (especially sugary snacks) can lead to more plaque and decay. Both of these factors increase the risk of developing cavities.

3. “Pregnancy Tumors” (Pyogenic Granulomas)

   These benign growths can form on the gums, especially in the second trimester. While they may look alarming and bleed easily, they are harmless and usually disappear after delivery.

How to Maintain a Healthy Mouth

The good news is that most pregnancy-related oral health issues can be prevented or managed with a consistent routine and a few smart adjustments. Here a few habits to help maintain a healthy smile during pregnancy:

• Routine brushing and flossing

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

  • Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth and along the gumline

• Managing morning sickness

  • If brushing makes you nauseous, a short-term solution is to rinse your mouth out with a mixture of one teaspoon of baking soda and one cup of water. This will reduce the amount of acid in your mouth until you are able to brush again.

  • Don’t brush right after vomiting, it can spread stomach acid across your teeth. Instead use the baking soda method above, then brush 30 minutes later.

Eat foods that support oral and overall health during pregnancy

• Milk, cheese, and yogurt provide calcium for strong teeth.

• Eggs are a great source of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium.

• Sweet potatoes offer vitamin A to help you maintain healthy gums.

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks, which fuel cavity-causing bacteria.

The Safety of Dental Care During Pregnancy

Many people worry about dental visits while pregnant, but routine dental care is safe and recommended. Make sure you tell your dentist you’re pregnant and share your stage of pregnancy. They'll be able to help you determine how to proceed.

• Safe treatments: Cleanings, exams, fillings, and even root canals can be done safely.

• Anesthetics: Local anesthetics like lidocaine are safe for both mother and baby.

• X-rays: With modern equipment and protective aprons, radiation exposure is minimal and poses no risk.

• Timing: The second trimester is often the most comfortable for procedures, but emergency treatment can be done anytime.

How Mom’s Oral Health Impacts Baby’s Health

Taking care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy doesn’t just protect your own smile, it can make a real difference for your baby, too.

• Sharing bacteria: The same germs that cause cavities in adults can be passed from mom to baby, often through simple things like kissing or sharing a spoon. By keeping your mouth healthy, you’re lowering the chances that your child will develop cavities early in life.

• Healthy pregnancy outcomes: Research has shown that severe gum disease (periodontitis) may be linked to a higher risk of preterm birth or low birth weight. That means brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist aren’t just good habits for you, they’re also ways to support your baby’s healthiest start.

Think of your oral health routine as part of your prenatal care checklist. Every time you brush and floss, you’re not only looking after yourself, but also giving your little one a better foundation for their future smile.