Perinatal Period Requires Strong Oral Health
Pregnancy is an exciting period, but it's also a critically important time for the developing baby's oral and overall health. The "perinatal" period spans from approximately 20-28 weeks of pregnancy to 1-4 weeks after the baby is born. With so much to prepare for the new arrival, a dental checkup often gets overlooked by expectant mothers.
However, research indicates connections between maternal gum disease (periodontal disease) and premature births, low birth weight babies, maternal preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Therefore, it is extremely important for mothers to maintain excellent oral health throughout their entire pregnancy.
Why Are Dental Checkups During Pregnancy So Important?
Maternal bacteria that cause cavities have been linked to various negative health outcomes for infants and young children. For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advises expectant mothers to have regular dental checkups and receive counseling for prevention, early intervention, and treatment.
Here are some important oral care tips for expectant mothers during the perinatal period:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Use an ADA-approved fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove harmful oral bacteria. Additionally, use an alcohol-free mouthwash daily.
- Chew Xylitol Gum: Xylitol, a natural sweetener, has been shown to reduce cavities in infants and toddlers when the expectant mother chews gum containing xylitol 3-5 times daily. When choosing gum, make sure "xylitol" is listed as an ingredient, as no other sugar substitute has shown the same benefits in clinical studies.
- Evaluate Your Diet: Maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet is always important, but it's especially crucial during pregnancy. Keep a food diary and identify ways to reduce your intake of sugary and starchy foods. Sugars and starches provide fuel for oral bacteria and increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Regular dental appointments allow your dentist to support your home care efforts and provide valuable advice. The dentist can assess the overall health of your teeth and offer strategies to minimize oral bacteria.
How Can I Care for My Baby's Gums and Teeth?
Many parents are unaware that bacteria that cause cavities (cariogenic bacteria) can be passed from the mother, father, or other caregivers to the child. This often happens through sharing eating utensils and "cleaning" pacifiers in the parent's mouth. Parents should try 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 themselves.
Parents should also follow these guidelines to promote good oral health in their infants:
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny smear of toothpaste (for children under two) to gently brush your baby's teeth twice each day.
- Floss Once Adjacent Teeth Appear: As soon as two teeth next to each other emerge in your baby's mouth, cavities can form between them. Ask your pediatric dentist for guidance on the best way to floss your baby's teeth.
- Use Pacifiers Wisely: Pacifiers can be soothing for infants. Make sure not to dip them in honey or any other sweet liquids.
- Transition to Drinking 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 repeatedly. Consequently, sugary liquids (milk, soda, juice, formula, breast milk, or sweetened water) constantly bathe the infant's teeth, encouraging bacterial growth and accelerating tooth decay. Offer only water in sippy cups and discontinue their use after your baby's first birthday.
- Visit the Pediatric Dentist Early: Around the age of one, your baby should have their first dental visit with a pediatric dentist, often called a "Baby Smiles" appointment. The pediatric dentist will check the development of your baby's teeth and jaw and provide advice on future oral care.
- Wipe Gums Regularly: Your baby is at risk for early cavities as soon as the first tooth appears. For young infants, wipe their gums with a damp cloth after every feeding. This helps reduce oral bacteria and minimizes the risk of early cavities.
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