PERINATAL ORAL HEALTH
Pregnancy is an exciting time. It is also a crucially important time for the unborn child’s oral and overall health. The “perinatal” period begins approximately 20-28 weeks into the pregnancy, and ends 1-4 weeks after the infant is born.
With so much to do to prepare for the new arrival, a dental checkup is often the last thing on an expectant mother’s mind. However, research shows there are links between maternal periodontal disease (gum disease) and:
Premature babies
Babies with low birth weight
Maternal pre-eclampsia
Gestational diabetes
It is of paramount importance for mothers to maintain excellent oral health throughout the entire pregnancy.
Why are perinatal dental checkups important?
Maternal cariogenic bacteria is linked with a wide range of adverse outcomes for infants and young children. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advises expectant mothers to get dental checkups regularly for prevention, intervention and treatment.
Perinatal Oral Care Tips for Expectant Mothers:
BRUSH & FLOSS – Be sure to use an ADA-approved, fluoridated toothpaste at least twice each day and floss at least once each day to eliminate harmful oral bacteria. In addition, an alcohol-free mouthwash should be used on a daily basis.
CHEW GUM – Xylitol, a natural substance found in fruits and vegetables, has been shown to reduce infant and toddler cavities when chewed three-five times daily by the expectant mother. When choosing gum, check for the “xylitol” ingredient – no other sugar substitute has proven to be beneficial in clinical studies.
EVALUATE YOUR DIET – Maintaining a balanced, nourishing diet is always important, but particularly so during pregnancy. Make a food-eating diary and look for ways to cut down on sugary and starchy foods. Sugars and starches provide food for oral bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
MAKE REGULAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS – When seen regularly, the dentist can bolster homecare preventive efforts and provide excellent advice. The dentist will check the general condition of teeth and provide strategies for reducing oral bacteria.