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During pregnancy, some women develop gingivitis or gum disease. Gum disease is the most common oral condition associated with being pregnant. Some women avoid dental check-ups for fear of harming their baby. In truth, untreated gum infections and decayed teeth can put a mother and her baby at risk. Dental infections may be responsible for as much as 5% of low birth-weight and pre-term babies. As a result, pregnant women need routine check-ups. Some women experience a dry mouth while pregnant. Taking frequent sips of water and chewing sugarless gum or candies can help with this. Women who experience morning sickness need to rinse and brush their teeth more than twice a day to prevent stomach acids from stay in contact with the teeth causing permanent damage to the enamel.