April is Oral Health Month. During this month, you may see information about oral health for children, adults, and seniors. But did you know that oral health is important during pregnancy as well?
There is a lot of information available about how a pregnant woman can take care of her body in order to ensure the best possible outcome for her unborn child. However, until recently, taking care of her mouth, teeth, and gums during pregnancy was not given much attention.
Did you know that hormonal changes increase a woman’s risk for oral health problems during pregnancy? Poor oral health not only affects her health, but may also affect the health of her baby. Studies have shown a potential link between severe gum disease (periodontitis) in pregnant women and premature and low birth weight babies. Premature birth can put a baby at risk of death within his first month and at risk of lifelong health problems such as chronic lung disease.
Many women do not have the information they need – or have false information – about good oral health for themselves during pregnancy and for their babies’ first year.
Some common myths about oral health and pregnancy include that it is normal for women to lose a tooth for each pregnancy, that developing babies take calcium from their mother’s teeth, and that some problems with teeth and gums during pregnancy is acceptable. This is not the case. Women with good oral health care during pregnancy are no more likely to get cavities or lose teeth than at any other time. However, pregnancy may worsen pre-existing oral health problems or problems that arise during pregnancy and are not treated.
Another common myth is that it isn’t safe for women to visit a dentist while they are pregnant. Routine cleanings and treatments are safe - and are recommended - for pregnant women. Further treatments for oral health problems can also be done safely during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not a time to avoid dental care.
After pregnancy, many mothers do not know that their own poor oral health may contribute to early cavities in their young children. Mothers are the most common source of transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to their babies. Babies are not born with the bacteria that cause cavities. Instead, they are “infected” sometime in their early life (through sharing spoons and soothers). Mothers who have healthy mouths are much more likely to have babies who are free from these cavity-causing bacteria.
Oral disease is preventable and treatable. A woman can take these simple actions to protect her own and her baby’s health:
• Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily.
• Brush tongue.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Limit sugary foods.
• Make an appointment to see the dentist. Now, more than any other time, an exam of teeth and gums is needed.
• Avoid sharing spoons, soothers, and other items between the mother’s mouth and the child’s mouth.
• Take child(ren) for a dental visit by age one and regularly from then on.
By following these simple actions, a woman can help ensure that her baby is given the best opportunity to be healthy.
