If you’re planning to start a family or you’re already pregnant, you have plenty on your mind. From choosing baby names to decorating the nursery and wondering how life will change when your little one arrives. With so much going on, it’s easy to overlook your oral health.
But taking care of your teeth and gums is more than a cosmetic concern. Good oral care supports not only your health but your baby’s as well. In fact, research continues to show a strong link between oral health and pregnancy outcomes. Your mouth’s microbiome, or the community of bacteria living there, plays a surprising role in fertility, pregnancy, and even your baby’s early health.
So whether you’re trying to conceive or already expecting, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s happening in your mouth.
RELATED: Oral health's impact on fertility & beyond: Q&A with Dr. Staci Whitman
What is the oral microbiome (and why does it matter)?
We often hear about the gut microbiome, or the trillions of microbes that live in your digestive tract and influence everything from immunity to mood. But did you know your mouth has its own microbiome, too?
Each tooth can host hundreds of millions of microbes, and in total, more than 700 different bacterial species have been identified in the mouth. When this ecosystem is balanced, beneficial bacteria help remineralize your teeth, protect your gums, and keep your mouth healthy.
When it’s out of balance, however, harmful bacteria can take over, leading to inflammation, gum disease, and cavities. And since the mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, those bacteria and inflammatory compounds can spread through the bloodstream, affecting your heart, brain, and even reproductive organs.
Recent studies highlight that disruptions in the oral microbiome are linked to higher risks of pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. In other words, your oral health doesn’t just stop at your smile, it influences your whole-body health and your baby’s development.
The connection between oral health and fertility
If you’re currently trying to conceive, it might surprise you to learn that your gums could play a role in how quickly it happens.
A study from Australia found that women with gum disease took, on average, two months longer to conceive than those without it. Other research shows that inflammation from oral infections can interfere with hormone health and fertility.
Your partner’s oral health also matters. Men with poor dental hygiene are more likely to have semen abnormalities and reduced sperm motility. Healthy mouths for both partners create a healthier foundation for conception.
How pregnancy affects your oral health
There’s an old saying that “you lose a tooth for every pregnancy.” While that’s not true, pregnancy does make your teeth and gums more vulnerable. Here’s why:
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, rising levels of estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to your gums, making them more sensitive and prone to bleeding. These hormonal shifts can also alter your oral microbiome, promoting inflammation and gingivitis.
Shifting diet and cravings
Many moms-to-be find themselves craving sweets or carbs, which can feed the bacteria that cause cavities. If you’re reaching for more snacks or skipping your usual vegetables due to nausea, your oral health can take a hit.
Morning sickness
Frequent vomiting exposes your teeth to stomach acid, which erodes enamel. It’s important to rinse your mouth with water (not brush immediately) after vomiting to protect your teeth.
Sensitive gag reflex
If brushing makes you gag, try using a smaller toothbrush head or brushing at different times of day when nausea is milder.
These changes are temporary but important to manage. Gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, all serious complications that can affect your baby’s health.
RELATED: Pregnancy cravings, aversions & the role of protein
How to support a healthy oral microbiome during pregnancy
Healthy gums start with daily habits that protect your mouth and your microbiome.
1. Eat for oral and prenatal health
Focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods that nourish your teeth, gums, and baby:
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Lean proteins (wild salmon, chicken, eggs, or legumes if vegetarian)
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Colorful vegetables and leafy greens
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Nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like avocado and olive oil
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Limit sugar and processed carbohydrates, which feed pathogenic bacteria
2. Brush and floss consistently
Brush twice daily and floss once a day. If brushing triggers nausea, switch to a milder toothpaste or use a child-sized brush for smaller strokes.
3. Rinse strategically
After meals or morning sickness, rinse with water or saltwater to restore pH balance and remove food particles.
4. Stay on top of dental visits
Professional cleanings are safe during pregnancy and recommended by the CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Regular visits reduce plaque buildup and prevent gum inflammation.
5. Hydrate often
Pregnancy can cause dry mouth, increasing cavity risk. Drink plenty of water and include hydrating foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens.
RELATED: Can you drink electrolytes while pregnant?
Oral health checklist for every stage
Before Conception
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Schedule a comprehensive dental cleaning and checkup
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Treat any existing gum disease or infections
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Ask about your oral microbiome and natural ways to strengthen it
During Pregnancy
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Maintain your cleanings and daily oral care routine
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Eat for oral and prenatal health, with limited sugar intake
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Rinse after morning sickness or meals
After Baby Arrives
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Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings
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Continue your own oral care as babies can inherit bacteria from a parent’s mouth
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Introduce healthy brushing habits early on
Why oral health should be part of every prenatal plan
Your mouth is the start of your digestive and immune systems, not a separate part of your body. Keeping it healthy supports your whole-body wellness and creates a better environment for your growing baby.
A 2025 consensus paper found that oral infections during pregnancy can even influence fetal development through inflammatory and microbial pathways. Maintaining good oral hygiene may reduce the risk of complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and premature birth while improving maternal wellbeing.
A note from WeNatal on the link between oral health and pregnancy
Fertility and prenatal health begin long before pregnancy, and a healthy oral microbiome is part of that foundation, influencing everything from inflammation and hormone health to nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing. By caring for your gums and teeth, you’re not just protecting your smile, you’re creating a healthier environment for conception, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.
Our WeNatal for Her and WeNatal for Him formulas were designed to support that journey from the inside out. Together, they provide key nutrients that promote hormone harmony, cellular health, and a supported microbiome for both partners. Adding WeNatal Omega DHA+ supports inflammation regulation and oral, brain, and nervous system health which are vital for you and your growing baby.
Even on the busiest days, simple habits like daily oral care and consistent supplementation go a long way in supporting your body and your baby’s future health.
RELATED: Why protein matters for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery
References
Daalderop LA, Wieland BV, Tomsin K, et al. Periodontal Disease and Pregnancy Outcomes: Overview of Systematic Reviews. JDR Clin Trans Res. 2018;3(1):10-27. doi:10.1177/2380084417731097
Ludovichetti FS, Signoriello AG, Gobbato EA, Artuso A, Stellini E, Mazzoleni S. Can periodontal disease affect conception? A literature review. Reprod Fertil. 2021;2(1):R27-R34. Published 2021 Feb 5. doi:10.1530/RAF-20-0043
Saini R, Saini S, Saini SR. Periodontitis: A risk for delivery of premature labor and low-birth-weight infants. J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2010;1(1):40-42. doi:10.4103/0976-9668.71672
Tao DY, Zhu JL, Xie CY, et al. Relationship between periodontal disease and male infertility: A case-control study. Oral Dis. 2021;27(3):624-631. doi:10.1111/odi.13552
Wei BJ, Chen YJ, Yu L, Wu B. Periodontal disease and risk of preeclampsia: a meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS One. 2013;8(8):e70901. Published 2013 Aug 12. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0070901
Zhang J, Zhou C, Zheng L, et al. Expert consensus on the treatment of oral diseases in pregnant women and infants. Int J Oral Sci. 2025;17(1):62. Published 2025 Aug 29. doi:10.1038/s41368-025-00395-3
