With the start of the new year, prioritizing women’s oral health should become a key resolution. Women’s oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile—it is a critical aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked. From puberty to menopause and every stage in between, hormonal changes can significantly impact oral health, affecting everything from gum disease risk to overall systemic health.

Despite its importance, women’s oral health remains much under-discussed and insufficiently researched, even though it plays a vital role in conditions such as pregnancy complications and chronic illnesses. Pregnancy is a particularly crucial time in a woman’s life during which oral health becomes even more important, as gum disease has often been linked to various pregnancy problems. Pregnant women should make their oral health a top priority—because a healthy mouth supports a healthy pregnancy and baby.

“During pregnancy, increased hormonal levels can affect the way that the body reacts to dental plaque, leading to swollen and bleeding gums (gingivitis) and to the aggravation of a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Untreated gum disease during pregnancy can lead to serious health risks, affecting both the mother and the child,” explains Nicola West, secretary general of the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).

Brushing the teeth at least twice per day for a minimum of two minutes, along with regular dental visits during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, can help identify and address potential problems early. Scientific studies have shown connections between gum disease and pregnancy difficulties such as premature birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. Maintaining good oral health prior to and during pregnancy is an essential step in promoting the health of both mother and child, and in preventing gum disease and tooth loss.

“This topic is of huge importance to us, so much so that we will have a dedicated session during EuroPerio11 this coming May in Vienna, the world’s leading congress in periodontology and implant dentistry, to raise awareness and encourage oral health professionals to adopt a more personalized, holistic approach when treating female patients, including pregnant women. In addition, this session also aims to promote further investigation into the connection between oral health and women’s health,” says West.

“If gingivitis or periodontitis is diagnosed, it can be treated safely during pregnancy. In fact, the risks of not treating the condition are more significant,” says Tali Chackartchi, president-elect of the European Federation of Periodontology and Gum Health Day coordinator for 2025.

“Periodontal disease, if present and not treated, might deteriorate during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Some patients say that ‘with every pregnancy, I’ve also lost a tooth.’ Catching these issues early during pregnancy is essential to safeguarding both maternal and fetal health. Early detection allows for timely intervention, reducing the likelihood of complications associated with periodontal disease, including tooth loss.”

Launched eleven years ago, Gum Health Day is a worldwide campaign celebrated every May 12 and created by the EFP, which aims to inform the general public about the detrimental effects of gum diseases (gingivitis, periodontitis, peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis) on both oral and general health, and the advantages of keeping their gums healthy from a young age.

“The key message is that the mouth is a vital organ that serves as a gateway to the entire body, connecting oral health with overall health. Maintaining healthy gums is essential for supporting overall well-being, emphasizing that oral health is deeply interconnected with the health of other bodily systems,” says Chackartchi.

“If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, you should know that there’s a connection between the health of your gums, your own health and the health of your baby. We recommend visiting your oral health team at least every six months for a dental check-up, ensuring healthy gums.”

Provided by
European Federation of Periodontology (EFP)