Your baby's mouth and teeth
begin to form within the first few weeks of pregnancy. Taking good care of yourself
during pregnancy affects the dental health of your baby
It is especially important to take
care of your dental health during pregnancy. Some of the reasons for taking
special care include:
Tooth decay is caused
by bacteria in the mouth and is passed from mother to child through saliva.
Hormonal changes occur
during pregnancy that can affect the gums. The gums may become swollen and
inflamed in response to bacteria along the gum line.
Tooth decay is affected
by what you eat, how often you eat, and how long the food stays in your
mouth or on teeth. Snacking may be necessary, but be aware that the frequency
of eating sweet or sticky foods increases the risk of tooth decay.
Nausea and vomiting
can occur during pregnancy. Frequent vomiting can leave stomach acids in your
mouth. If this acid is not cleared away quickly, it can damage the surfaces
of your teeth and cause tooth decay.
To keep your teeth and gums healthy:
Brush your teeth at
least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, taking extra
care to clean carefully along the gum lines and to floss daily.
Eat a variety of healthy foods.
Limit foods that are
sweet or stick to your teeth, which increase the risk of tooth decay.
Do not brush your teeth
for 30 minutes after vomiting. The stomach acid combined with brushing may
erode the tooth enamel. Rinse your mouth with water, or use a fluoride mouth
rinse to freshen your mouth and protect your teeth.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
It is important to have regular dental
visits during your pregnancy. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth
that are passed onto the baby from parents. If you have healthy teeth, you will
have less tooth decay bacteria and lower the risk of passing bacteria onto your
baby.
Regular dental cleanings
and checkups can be done safely at any time during your pregnancy. Be sure to
tell your dentist or dental hygienist that you are pregnant. Any pain, swelling
or infection in your mouth should be treated immediately because this can affect
your health and your baby's health.
If you are pregnant, you can postpone
routine dental x-rays until after your baby is born in order to prevent or reduce
radiation exposure. If x-rays are needed, the lead apron used at the dental
office will shield you and your baby.
It is wise to avoid taking drugs
or medications of any kind while you are pregnant. However, if you need emergency
dental treatment, certain drugs may be required. If you have any concerns, you
should discuss their use with your dentist and physician.
For more information on pregnancy
and dental health, please contact your dentist or dental hygienist, or the dental
program at your local public health unit.
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