Supporting oral health through pregnancy

To provide an overview of the oral health risks during pregnancy, the importance of oral health at this time and discuss the advice and treatment options dental professionals can provide to pregnant patients.

GDC development outcome C

Pregnancy is a crucial time in a woman’s life when oral health is of fundamental importance. Maintaining oral health and periodontal health during pregnancy is important both for pregnant women themselves and for their unborn children.

In addition to the effect of increased hormonal activity on the periodontium, associations between periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes have been demonstrated. This article reviews our current knowledge of the most common periodontal conditions associated with pregnancy and discusses the nutrition, lifestyle and preventive advice dental professionals can provide during pregnancy.