During pregnancy, some oral diseases can lead to severe pain, limited mouth opening, etc., affecting the rest and diet of pregnant women, and even the health of the fetus. However, many treatments are not suitable to be carried out during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive oral examination and teeth cleaning before planning to get pregnant, and to receive early treatment for dental caries, periodontal disease, impacted wisdom teeth, defective prostheses, and residual roots.
Dental caries, periodontal disease, and wisdom tooth pericoronitis are common oral diseases that affect the health of pregnant women. It is recommended to complete relevant treatments before pregnancy. 
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diseases manifest as swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath, etc. Research shows that if a pregnant woman has severe gingivitis or periodontitis, the chance of premature birth or low birth weight is about 7 times that of pregnant women without periodontal disease. 

Dental Caries
Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is the loss of tooth minerals caused by acid released by bacteria, which in turn forms cavities that progress from shallow to deep. If the cavity extends to the pulp chamber during pregnancy, it may lead to pulp infection and severe pain. It is not advisable to undergo pulpitis treatment during pregnancy, as it will increase the risk of delivery.

Wisdom Tooth Pericoronitis
If wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, it easily leads to bad breath, periodontal inflammation and swelling, and even severe pain. In severe cases, the jaw swells and it is even difficult to open the mouth. Only simple anti-inflammatory treatment can be performed during pregnancy; it is not advisable to perform wisdom tooth extraction, as it will increase the risk of delivery.
 

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During pregnancy, the body and living habits undergo significant changes, leading to active oral bacteria and increased acidity, which induce or aggravate oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and wisdom tooth pericoronitis, causing swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, and even severe pain. During pregnancy, it is essential to perform self-cleaning such as gargling, brushing, and flossing.
1. Increased Bacterial Activity
Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to a dramatic increase in the number of oral bacteria, making them more destructive.

2. Heartburn and Morning Sickness
Heartburn and morning sickness cause stomach acid to reflux back into the esophagus or mouth, keeping the mouth in an acidic environment.

3. More Acidic Foods
Many pregnant women prefer acidic foods, leading to a highly acidic oral environment.

4. Infrequent Tooth Brushing
Pregnant women often experience a gag reflex when brushing back teeth, making them dislike brushing and unable to remove dental plaque in time.