Pregnancy and the first year of your baby's life are a very special time. You'll 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 can also affect the health of your unborn child.

Before your baby arrives:

Eat a Balanced Diet

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.

Snacking 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 that remains in the mouth to acid that attaches 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, beans, fish, poultry and protein alternatives; 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 (see www.mypyramid.gov and follow your physician's advice for guidance regarding a diet that is your wisest choice).

How Pregnancy May Effect Your Gums

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 considerably. Gingivitis, especially common during the second to eighth months of pregnancy, may cause red, puffy or tender gums that tend to bleed when you brush your teeth. This 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.

Occasionally overgrowths of gum tissue, called "pregnancy tumors," appear on the gums during the second trimester. These localized growths or swellings are usually found between the teeth and are believed to be related to excess plaque. While typically painless, they bleed easily and are characterized by a red, raw-looking mulberry-like surface. They are often surgically removed after the baby is born. If you experience pregnancy tumors, see your dentist.

It's especially important, then to maintain good oral health during pregnancy. Studies indicate that pregnant women who have severe periodontal (gum) disease may be at increased risk for pre-term delivery, which in turn increases the risk of having a low-birth weight baby. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.

Oral Hygiene

To help prevent tooth decay and gum 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 another interdental cleaner. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you how to brush and floss correctly. When choosing oral care products, look for those that display the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance your assurance that they have met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.

Dental Visits

During pregnancy, continue to see your dentists 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. Dental disease left untreated during pregnancy can lead to problems for both the mother and the fetus. Some dental procedures may be required for diagnosis and management of the problem so that the health of the mother and baby can be maintained.

Dental X-Rays

When possible, dental x-rays should be delayed until after the pregnancy. However, an x-ray may be needed for dental treatment or a dental emergency that can't wait until after the baby is born. Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Radiation from dental s-rays is extremely low. However, every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure. A protective apron minimized exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken. A protective thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should be used whenever possible. The use of a protective thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Dental radiographs are not contraindicated if one is trying to become pregnant or is breast feeding.

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 by the time they are three years old. Strong, healthy primary teeth help your child chew food easily, learn to speak clearly, smile and look attractive. They also help give your child's face it's shape and form.

Early Childhood Caries

Sometimes parents and other caregivers do not realize that a baby's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Decay in infants and toddlers is called early childhood caries, 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 such as milk, formula, fruit juice or other sweetened liquids for long periods of time. The good news is that tooth decay is preventable. To help reduce the risk of tooth decay, babies and toddlers should finish their nap time and bedtime bottles before going to bed. Children should not be allowed to continually sip on sugary liquids from training cups since this type of frequent and prolonged exposure to sugar can also lead to decay.

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.
  • Begin oral care early:
    • Wipe the baby's gums with a wet washcloth or 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 pediatrician first. www.mypyramid.gov
    • If your baby experiences sore or tender gums as teeth begin to erupt, gently massage the gums with a gauze pad or a wet washcloth.
    • 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, life 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 early childhood tooth decay with others who may be helping to care for your child.
  • Consult with your pediatrician on the most appropriate water for your infants available in your area. This includes water being used in infant formula.
  • Continue to see your dentist regularly for oral exams and professional teeth cleaning after your baby is born to avoid transferrin bacteria to your baby.