Prenatal Oral Health

  • Pregnancy is a time of many changes, including changes in the mouth and oral health
  • It is important for pregnant women to get their teeth cleaned, examined and have any needed dental work done before their baby is born
  • Preliminary studies show that there may be an association between periodontal disease - a chronic infection of the gums - and premature birth (delivery before 37 weeks) and low-birth weight (baby weighing less than 2,500 grams)
  • Improving oral health during pregnancy can also help prevent early cavities in their child. Dental decay is an infectious transmissible disease. Mothers can pass on decay causing germs to their babies
  • Good oral health for moms can mean good oral health for their babies

Additional Resources