Women are affected by gum disease differently than men. Fluctuations in female hormones occur constantly throughout a woman’s life- during her menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These drastic changes affect the immune response and make a woman more susceptible to gum inflammation.

Important research shows an association between women with periodontal disease and miscarriages or preterm delivery. Theoretically, the gum infection can travel through the body, releasing prostaglandins which can trigger early contractions. Preterm, low-birth weight babies often need to remain in the hospital after birth and may have medical challenges to overcome. Although the exact relationship between gum disease and pregnancy outcomes is still unclear, maintaining healthy gums is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy and delivery.