South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Black Women
• Caring for Your Baby
• Facts for Fathers
• Health Care Professionals
• Dispelling the Myths

Mouth and Gums

• Healthy Gums = Healthy Babies
  • Periodontitis is an infection of the gums.
  • Signs of this disease are bleeding of the gums and loose teeth.
  • A pregnant woman with this infection increases her risk of having a baby born too early or too small.
• The germs that cause cavities for a pregnant woman can cause her child to have cavities as a baby.
• See your dentist early in your pregnancy. Be sure and tell your dentist that you are pregnant.