Gum Disease and Pregnancy: What the Research Actually Says

Pregnancy brings a lot of questions and if you've heard that gum disease might affect your baby, you're probably wondering how worried you should be. Here's what the science actually shows, and more importantly, what you can do about it.

The Link Between Periodontitis and Pregnancy Complications

Several observational studies have found a connection between maternal periodontitis and a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. A 2025 cohort study reported notably higher rates of both outcomes in women with periodontitis compared to those without it, and a foundational EFP/AAP consensus report similarly identified this association. Researchers believe the connection may involve bacteria entering the bloodstream and triggering inflammatory responses that affect the fetoplacental unit.

That said, association is not the same as cause and effect. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that while earlier studies flagged this link, more recent large-scale trials and meta-analyses have not confirmed that periodontitis directly causes adverse outcomes and the EFP echoes that there is still no clear causal evidence. Having gum disease during pregnancy is a risk factor worth taking seriously, not a guarantee of a difficult outcome.

What Treating Gum Disease Actually Does

Treating gum inflammation and maintaining consistent oral hygiene helps control oral infection and may lower some systemic inflammatory markers, though research on how significantly this shifts pregnancy outcomes is still evolving. What is well established, according to a 2024 systemic review and network meta-analysis, is that certain periodontal interventions during pregnancy were associated with reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight a meaningful signal even as researchers continue to map the mechanisms.

The reassuring news: ACOG, the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme, and the EFP all confirm that periodontal treatment during pregnancy is safe. Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown no increase in adverse events for women who received treatment versus those who didn't. Many women with treated periodontal disease go on to have completely healthy pregnancies.

How to Protect Your Oral Health During Pregnancy

Staying ahead of gum disease during pregnancy doesn't have to be complicated. A few consistent habits make a real difference:

See your dentist early. Dental cleanings and periodontal treatment are safe throughout pregnancy, don't put them off out of caution.

Brush thoroughly, twice a day. Pregnancy hormones can make gums more sensitive and reactive to plaque, so thorough brushing matters more than ever. The Feno Smartbrush cleans in just 20 seconds with 18,000 bristles and AI-powered monitoring, making it easier to maintain the kind of consistent, effective brushing that helps keep gum inflammation in check.

Floss daily. Cleaning between teeth removes the bacterial buildup that brushing alone can't reach and that's where gum disease often starts.

Tell your OB and dentist you're pregnant. Both providers benefit from knowing so they can coordinate your care appropriately.