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World Health Day, observed on April 7, 2025, will launch a year-long campaign dedicated to maternal and newborn health. Titled Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, the campaign will encourage governments and healthcare providers to intensify their efforts to eliminate preventable maternal and newborn deaths and prioritize the long-term health and well-being of women.
Throughout the year, WHO and its partners will provide valuable information and resources aimed at promoting healthy pregnancies, safe births, and improved postnatal care.
Pregnancy gingivitis is recognized as one of the most common oral manifestations during pregnancy, affecting a significant proportion of pregnant women worldwide.
The underlying pathophysiology of pregnancy gingivitis is multifactorial, involving complex interactions between hormonal changes, immune system modifications, and alterations in the oral microbiome.
During pregnancy, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone affect gingival tissues by increasing vascular permeability and modulating inflammatory responses. These hormonal changes worsen plaque-induced gingival inflammation, creating an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation.[1]
Growing evidence suggests that pregnancy gingivitis may have implications beyond oral health, potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes.
Research has identified gingival inflammation as a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, establishing important connections between oral and systemic health during pregnancy.
In this article, we give evidence-based recommendations to pregnant women to maintain their tooth and gum health before, during, and after pregnancy.
Optimizing your oral health before conception can reduce risks associated with pregnancy gingivitis and other oral complications.
1. Comprehensive Dental Examination:
2. Establish Good Oral Hygiene Habits:
3. Address Nutritional Deficiencies:
Oral hygiene is especially critical during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased vulnerability to gum disease. Let’s learn more about precautions to be taken in each trimester:
Obstetricians and gynecologists should suggest that pregnant women go to the dentist for a dental examination and scaling treatment every 3 months during pregnancy, and that those preparing for pregnancy undergo regular 6-month scaling [5].
Oral care post-pregnancy remains essential, particularly to address lingering gum issues and prevent dental complications.
Consistent professional guidance from dental professionals combined with informed personal care is the cornerstone for excellent oral health during this critical life phase.
