Pregnancy is an exciting journey, but it's also a crucial period for the unborn child's oral and overall well-being. The "perinatal" phase, roughly from the 20th to 28th week of pregnancy until 1 to 4 weeks after birth, is a time when the foundation for good oral health is laid. With numerous preparations for the new baby, dental checkups might be overlooked by expectant mothers.

However, research has established links between gum disease (maternal periodontal disease) and premature birth, low birth weight in newborns, maternal preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Therefore, maintaining excellent oral health throughout pregnancy is of utmost importance for mothers.

Why are prenatal dental visits so important?

Bacteria in the mother's mouth that cause cavities have been associated with various adverse outcomes for infants and young children. Consequently, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that expectant mothers receive regular dental checkups and counseling for preventive care, early intervention, and treatment.

Here are some oral care tips for expectant mothers during the perinatal period:

Brush and floss consistently: Use an ADA-approved, fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day to remove harmful oral bacteria. Additionally, incorporate an alcohol-free mouthwash into your daily routine.
Consider xylitol gum: Xylitol, a natural sweetener, has shown promise in reducing cavities in infants and toddlers when chewed 3-5 times daily by expectant mothers. When selecting gum, ensure "xylitol" is listed as an ingredient – other sugar substitutes haven't shown the same benefits in clinical studies.
Review your dietary habits: Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is always essential, especially during pregnancy. Keep a food diary and identify areas where you can reduce your intake of sugary and starchy foods. These provide fuel for oral bacteria and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Keep your dental appointments: Regular dental visits allow your dentist to reinforce your home care efforts and offer valuable guidance. They can assess the overall condition of your teeth and provide strategies for minimizing oral bacteria.

How should I care for my baby's gums and emerging teeth?

Many parents are unaware that cavity-causing (cariogenic) bacteria can be transmitted from the mother, father, or other caregivers to the child. This often occurs through sharing eating utensils and "cleaning" pacifiers in the parent's mouth. Parents should make an effort to use separate eating utensils for their infants and rinse pacifiers with warm water instead of sucking on them. This is particularly important if parents have untreated cavities or gum disease.

Parents should also adhere to the following guidelines to promote their infant's oral health:

Brush gently: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of toothpaste (for children under two), gently brush the teeth twice a day.
Floss as soon as teeth touch: Once two adjacent teeth appear in your baby's mouth, cavities can form between them. Seek advice from your pediatric dentist on the most effective way to floss your infant's teeth.
Use pacifiers thoughtfully: Pacifiers can be a comforting tool for infants. However, avoid dipping them in honey or any other sweet liquid.
Encourage drinking from glasses: Baby bottles and sippy cups are major contributors to tooth decay in infants and toddlers. Both allow small amounts of liquid to enter the mouth frequently. Consequently, sugary liquids (milk, soda, juice, formula, breast milk, or sweetened water) constantly bathe the infant's teeth, fostering bacterial growth and accelerating tooth decay. Offer only water in sippy cups and discontinue their use after your child's first birthday.
Schedule an early dental visit: Around the age of one, your infant should have their first "Baby Smiles" appointment with a pediatric dentist. The dentist will examine tooth and jaw development and provide guidance for future oral care.
Wipe gums after feedings: Infants are susceptible to early cavities as soon as the first tooth emerges. For young infants, gently wipe their gums with a damp cloth after every feeding. This helps reduce oral bacteria and minimizes the risk of early cavities.

If you have any further questions about oral care during pregnancy or infancy, please contact your pediatric dentist.