Following a consistent oral health care routine is especially important for pregnant women for several reasons.

Pregnancy changes the hormones in the body that put pregnant women at increased risk for periodontal disease, which is the most severe form of gum disease.  This is why pregnant women, or women who are considering pregnancy, should see a dentist for regular checkups to catch any potential oral care problems before they become severe.

For women who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant: Tell your dental professional so you can avoid unnecessary X-rays and so that you can be as well protected as possible if dental x-rays are essential. But a regular dental checkup and cleaning is safe during pregnancy. In fact, regular dental checkups are recommended in order to help manage plaque buildup and to identify and treat mild cases of tooth decay or gingivitis before they become severe.