Pregnancy is a natural process that may create some changes in different parts of the body including oral cavity. These changes will lead to oral diseases if enough and timely care of oral cavity is not taken. The oral cavity is an obvious portal of entry to the body and oral health reflects and influences general health and well-being. Maternal oral health has significant implications of birth outcomes and infant oral health. Maternal oral diseases have been associated with preterm birth, development of pre-eclampsia and delivery of a small-for-gestation age infant. Maternal oral flora is transmitted to the newborn infant and increased cariogenic flora in the mother predisposes the infant to the development of caries. Pregnant women have special oral health needs due to hormonal fluctuations (estrogen and progesterone), which have a strong influence on the oral cavity. WHO, World Health Day theme of 1998, “Safe Motherhood Pregnancy is Precious, Let’s make it Special” draws our special attention toward this priority group, which needs special care. Preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental treatment is in safe throughout pregnancy and is effective in improving and maintaining oral health.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Oral Health; Preterm Birth; Pre-Eclampsia; Small-for-Gestation Age.