Pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s life are a very special time. You will want to think about taking good care of yourself and getting your baby’s life off to a healthy start. Your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Good oral health habits not only help prevent oral problems during pregnancy, they also affect the health of your unborn child.
Before Your Baby Arrives
Nutrition
Eating a balanced diet is necessary to provide the correct amounts of nutrients to nourish both you and your child. What you eat during the nine months of pregnancy affects the development of your unborn child including teeth. Your baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it is important that you receive sufficient amounts of nutrients especially calcium, protein, phosphorous and vitamins A, C, and D
It is a myth that calcium is lost from the mother’s teeth during pregnancy. The calcium your baby needs is provided by your diet, not by your teeth. If dietary calcium is inadequate, however, your body will provide this mineral from stores in your bones. An adequate intake of dairy products the primary source of calcium or the supplements your obstetrician may recommend will help ensure that you get all the calcium you need during your pregnancy.
Your diet and tooth decay
During pregnancy, many women have the desire to eat between meals. While this is a normal urge, frequent snacking on carbohydrate – containing foods can be an invitation to tooth decay. The decay process begins with plaque, an invisible, sticky layer of harmful bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. The bacteria convert sugar and starch that remain in the mouth to acid that attacks tooth enamel. The longer sugars are retained in your mouth, the longer the acids attack. After repeated attacks, tooth decay can result.
Eat nutritious, well balanced meals made up of foods from the five major food groups: breads, cereals and other grains, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and protein alternates and milk, yogurt and cheese. Try to resist the urge to snack constantly. When you need a snack, choose foods that are nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables and dairy products. Following your physician’s advice regarding diet is your wisest course
Gingivitis
Plaque remaining on your teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender and likely to bleed easily. This condition is called gingivitis and can lead to more serious periodontal diseases affecting the gums and bone that anchor your teeth in place.
During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels rise considerable. Gingivitis, especially common during the second to eight months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush your teeth. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is caused by an increased level of progesterone in your system. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings during your second trimester or early third trimester to help you avoid problems. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.
Daily oral hygiene
To help prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Be sure to clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Ask your dentist or hygienists to show you how to brush and floss correctly. When choosing oral care products, look for those that display the American Dental Associations Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.
Professional dental care
During pregnancy, continue to see your dentist regularly for oral exams and professional teeth cleaning. As part of your regular medical history, inform your dentist that you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant soon. Be sure to tell your dentist about any changes in your health, any medications you are taking (whether prescription or over the counter products), or any particular advice your physician has given you.
If you are concerned about the effect any drug, treatment or radiograph (x-ray) might have on your pregnancy, feel free to discuss your concerns with your dentist and physician. Both are concerned about you and your child’s health.
After Your Baby Is Born
Your baby’s teeth
Your child’s first set of teeth the baby or primary teeth begin to erupt about six months after birth. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth help your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, smile, and look attractive. They also help give your child’s face its shape and form.
Sometimes parents and other caregivers do not realize that a baby’s teeth are susceptible to early childhood tooth decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Decay in infants and toddlers is sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, and this condition can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. It occurs when a child’s teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. Among these are milk (including breast milk), formula, fruit juice and other sweetened liquids. The good news is that baby bottle tooth decay is preventable.
Oral care for your baby
You can take a few simple steps to help ensure a healthy smile for your child:
- Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with either a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juices or sweetened liquids or a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey. If your baby needs a comforter between regular feedings or at bedtime, use only water in the bottle or give the child a clean pacifier recommended by your dentist or pediatrician.
- Begin oral care early. Wipe the baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after each feeding. Begin brushing your child’s teeth with a little water as soon as the first tooth appears. If you are considering using toothpaste before age two, ask your dentist or physician first.
If your baby experiences sore or tender gums as teeth begin to erupt, gently message the gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a clean wet gauze pad. Your dentist or pediatrician may recommend a pacifier, teething ring or special numbing salve for the gums.
- Schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist by the first birthday. By scheduling a visit to the dentist by your child’s first birthday, you can help establish a positive relationship between your child and the dentist. In addition to checking for decay and other problems, your dentist will teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth daily and identify your child’s fluoride needs. In many instances, the first dental visit is a well baby check up for the teeth. By starting visits at an early age, you will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.
- Check your child’s teeth regularly. As soon as the first tooth comes in, lift the baby’s lips and regularly check the teeth for any changes. If you see white or stained areas on the teeth, take your child to the dentist.
- Share information about preventing baby bottle tooth decay with others who may be helping to care for your child. Preventing baby bottle tooth decay is a team effort!
(photo source: http://www.personalhealthnews.ca)