The aim of the Oral Health and Pregnancy project, a collaboration between the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and Oral-B, is to promote women’s oral health during pregnancy through guidelines for patients and for healthcare professionals.
The importance of oral health during pregnancy cannot be underestimated. Scientific studies have shown connections between gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia.
Pregnancy is a unique period during a woman’s life that is characterised by complex physiological changes, which may affect oral health. At the same time, oral health is key to overall health and well-being. It is therefore essential for oral-health professionals (such as dentists, dental hygienists, and periodontists) to provide pregnant women with appropriate and timely oral healthcare, including oral-health education.