We know that our dental health is an important part of our personal overall health. What some people don’t know is that it is also an important part of your prenatal care as well. In fact, some studies show that when you’re pregnant, you may be more prone to developing cavities and gum disease, both of which can affect your baby’s health too!
Research shows that the oral health of a child’s parents can actively affect the child too, even while they are still in the womb. This is why the American Dental Association insists that parents see their dentist during pregnancy. Preventative dental care is vital to ensuring good, lifelong oral health for your family.
One of the best ways to prevent the development of cavities in young children is by improving oral health during pregnancy. The oral health of an expecting patient is considered an important part of prenatal care. This is due to the fact that poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to health difficulties for both parent and baby.
It is estimated that 60 to 75% of pregnant patients have active gingivitis. This is the early stage of periodontal disease that occurs when the gums become red and inflamed. They may even be additionally aggravated by changes in hormones due to pregnancy. If the periodontal disease goes untreated, the bone structure that supports the teeth can begin to be lost, as well as an increased risk of gum infections.
As bone support is lost, teeth may become loose and eventually may need to be extracted to prevent further complications. The presence of periodontitis has also been directly associated with a number of pregnancy risks, including preterm birth and low birth weight.
Brushing twice per day and flossing once daily makes a huge difference in preventing gum disease, as well as the development of cavities. During pregnancy, hormones can play a role as well. This is one of the reasons we recommend seeing your dentist after finding out that you are pregnant.
Studies show that pregnancy may also increase the risk for cavities due to changes in behaviors like eating habits. It is currently estimated that more than a quarter of Americans of childbearing age have untreated cavities. Statistically, children whose parents have high levels of untreated cavities or tooth loss are more than 3 times more likely to have cavities as children as well.
Those who have a lot of cavity-causing bacteria accumulating in their mouths during pregnancy and even after delivery could transmit these bacteria to their baby. This is not uncommon through mouth-to-mouth contact such as kissing. Early contact with these bacteria and sugars through frequent snacking or having bottles in bed, can lead to early childhood cavities.
Due to these increased risk factors, we recommend visiting your dentist upon discovering that you are pregnant. That way you can be on top of your oral health care as it pertains to your overall health and your baby’s health. Your dentist will be able to assist you in figuring out what is best for you during your pregnancy.
These prenatal visits are very similar to general six-month check-ups. Your dentist will be looking for signs of cavities and gum disease, as well as checking to be sure your overall oral health is good too. We recommend scheduling this visit shortly after finding out you are pregnant.
Bringing your baby in for their first dental visit is an important part of ensuring they are receiving the best oral and overall care. The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association (ADA) all recommend that you bring your child in for a dental checkup no later than your child’s first birthday. Yes, even if none of their teeth have emerged yet.
It has been proven that children who visit the dentist by their first birthday are less likely to develop tooth decay than children whose parents wait until they are older. In fact, research shows that for each year past a child’s first birthday, the parents delay their first dental appointment, and the child’s chances of tooth decay nearly double. This is why it is so important to cultivate positive oral health habits at an early age, including regular visits to the pediatric dentist!
Pregnancy is an exciting time! It also brings with it, many challenges that parents must face. We believe it “takes a village” to raise a child and assisting each other is the best way for us all to succeed. As your family grows, we want you to know that you have a home here with us at Medical Center Pediatric Dentistry. We are so grateful to include you and your children in our practice’s family!
If you are pregnant and looking for more resources for oral health care during pregnancy, please feel free to contact our office. We are always available to help our patients’ parents discover the best options for their family’s oral health. As a mother herself, Dr. Casey knows the importance of caring for yourself and your child.
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