Mothers and Babies
Pregnancy and the first year of your baby's life are very special and
important. You'll want to take good care of yourself and get your baby off
to a healthy start. Your dental health is an important part of your overall
health. Good oral health habits not only help prevent problems during
pregnancy, they can also benefit the health of your unborn child.
Before Your Baby Arrives
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat during pregnancy affects the growth of your unborn
child—including his or her teeth. Your baby's teeth begin to develop
between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it is important that you
receive enough 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.
So be sure to get enough calcium in your diet. You can do this by
having at least three servings of dairy products per day. Or your
obstetrician may recommend that you take calcium pills.
Snacking and Tooth Decay
During pregnancy, many women feel hungry between meals. While this is normal,
frequent snacking on sugary foods can cause acids to attack the teeth.
Repeated acid attacks can cause tooth decay. Also, the infection caused by
decay can spread. Either of these problems must be treated by a dentist.
Try to resist the urge to snack constantly. When you need a snack, choose
healthy foods for you and your baby, such as raw fruits and vegetables and
dairy products. See www.choosemyplate.gov and follow your physician's
advice.
How Pregnancy May Affect Your Gums
Here's another reason to maintain good oral health while you are pregnant:
Pregnancy hormones can make your gum tissue more sensitive to plaque. Your
gums may become red, tender, and likely to bleed easily when you brush your
teeth. This condition is called gingivitis (jin-ja-VIE-tis).
Gingivitis is very common during pregnancy (and afterward, if you
nurse). Your dentist may advise you to have cleanings more often during
your second trimester or early third trimester to help you avoid
problems.
In some women, growths of tissue called "pregnancy tumors" appear on the
gums, most often during the second trimester. These growths or swellings are
usually found between the teeth and are believed to be related to excess
plaque. They bleed easily and look red and raw. They usually disappear after
the baby is born.
Daily Care
To
help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, brush your teeth twice a
day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Be sure to floss or
use another between-the-teeth cleaner daily. Ask your dentist or hygienist
to show you how to brush and floss correctly. When choosing oral care
products, look for ones that have the American Dental Association's Seal of
Acceptance, which tells you that they meet ADA standards for safety and
effectiveness.
Dental Visits
When asked about your medical history, be sure to tell your dentist if you
are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant soon. Also tell your
dentist about any changes in your health, any medicines you are taking
(whether prescription or over-the-counter products), or any medical advice
your physician has given you.
During pregnancy, keep seeing your dentist regularly for oral exams and teeth
cleaning. If you are worried about the effect any drug, treatment, or x-ray
might have on your pregnancy, discuss your concerns with your dentist and
physician.
Dental X-Rays
Radiation from dental x-rays is low. Current guidelines say it is more risky
for a pregnant woman to postpone necessary dental treatment than to have an
x-ray. This is because dental disease not treated during pregnancy can
lead to problems for you and your baby.
Tell your dentist if you are or might be pregnant. If an x-ray exam is
needed, the dentist will take steps to keep the x-ray exposure as low as
possible.
After Your Baby Is Born
Your Baby’s Teeth
Your child's primary (baby) teeth begin to appear about six months after
birth. Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by age three. Strong,
healthy baby teeth help your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly,
and smile. They also help give your child's face its shape.
Tooth Decay in Baby Teeth
A baby's teeth can start to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth.
Decay can start when teeth are in contact with sugary liquids often and for
long periods. These liquids include fruit juice, soda, and other drinks
containing sugar. If decay is not treated, it can destroy the baby teeth of
an infant or young child.
Tooth Care for Your Baby
The good news is that your child can avoid tooth decay. By starting
oral care at an early age, you will help your child learn lifelong good
dental habits. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your child's
smile healthy:
Never allow your baby or toddler to fall asleep with a bottle
of milk, formula, fruit juices, or any other liquids that
contain sugar OR a pacifier dipped in sugar or honey.
Do not allow children to have frequent sips of sugary liquids from
bottles or training cups.
Do not put a pacifier in your mouth to clean it and then put
it in the baby's mouth. You may pass decay-causing
bacteria to the baby.
Start cleaning your baby's mouth early. Before teeth
appear, wipe the baby's gums with a wet washcloth or a clean gauze
pad after each feeding. As soon as the first tooth appears, start
brushing your baby's teeth twice a day (morning and night). Use a
soft-bristled, child-sized toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste.
Until the child is three years old, use no more than a smear or
grain-of-rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
If your baby has sore or tender gums as teeth begin to appear, gently
massage the gums with a clean finger, small cool spoon, or damp
gauze pad. Your dentist or pediatrician may recommend a pacifier or
teething ring.
Plan your child's first dental visit after the first tooth
appears but no later than the first birthday. Think of
the first dental visit as a "well-baby checkup" for the teeth.Your
dentist will check for decay, look for other tooth problems, and
teach you how to clean your child's teeth. The dentist will also
look at your baby's tooth and jaw development.
Check your child's teeth regularly. From time to
time, lift the baby's lips and check the teeth for any changes. If
you see white or stained areas on the teeth at any time, take your
child to the dentist.
Share information about preventing early childhood tooth
decay with others who may be helping care for your
child.
Getting the right amount of fluoride is best-not too
much and not too little. Your dentist, pediatrician, or family
physician can help you make sure your child is getting enough
fluoride to prevent cavities.
Take good care of your own teeth. Continue to visit
your dentist regularly after your baby is born. If your own mouth is
healthy, your baby has a better chance of having a healthy mouth.
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Dental Association.