FAQs: Pregnant Women and Gum Disease

Gum disease is a special concern when you are pregnant.

How can gum disease hurt an unborn baby?
Scientists have seen that women with gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely and have babies who weigh too little. Babies who are born too early are at risk of serious medical problems and even death.

What are signs of gum disease?
Early signs of gum disease are redness or bleeding from brushing teeth, using dental floss, or biting into hard food. Other signs are swollen gums, bad breath, and gums that draw away from the teeth. As gum disease gets worse, deep pockets may form around the teeth.

How can I prevent gum disease?
Good oral health habits go a long way in keeping your gums healthy. Be sure to:

brush twice a day using a toothbrush with soft bristles and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
floss once a day
see your dentist every six months for oral exams and cleanings
use any at-home products that your dentist advises

What makes gum disease get better?
A deep cleaning from the dentist and proper care at home can heal early gum disease.

Pregnant women should see a dentist at least one time during pregnancy for treatment.