ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR
PREGNANT WOMEN
By Stephanie
DeFilippo, DDS
If you are pregnant or have an infant, you may be surprised to
discover that their dental future depends on you! This dental health issue became personal to
me when I gave birth, for the first time, in January. I went from being the dentist to the
patient. I learned how difficult it is
to eat properly when subjected to strong pregnancy cravings and when I felt
horrible with morning sickness. No matter how I felt, I had to remember that
this was an important time to make sure I was making healthy food choices.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Guidelines, a dental cavity is defined as a common chronic infectious
transmissible disease. We usually don't think of a cavity as being a
disease, but it is the most common disease in children. Also, cavities are infectious and
transmissible. This means that the bacteria that cause dental decay can
be spread throughout your family just by kissing on the mouth or sharing drinks
and utensils. There are ways of preventing the spread of this
disease. It is not only important to brush and floss your children's
teeth, but it is also important for you to have impeccable oral hygiene as well.
This should start while you are still pregnant in order to decrease
cavity causing bacteria.
The American Dental Association has proven that there is a link
between periodontal disease in pregnant women and preterm deliveries,
low birth weight babies, and preeclampsia.
Pregnant women need to see a dentist for regular cleanings every six
months in addition to brushing and flossing daily. Also, many women are
affected by nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is recommended that
these women rinse with a teaspoon of baking soda diluted in a cup of water and then
waiting an hour before brushing. This helps
decrease the likelihood of erosion of the protective tooth enamel. These
women may also tend to stop brushing all together with fear that their gag
reflex will trigger vomiting. This is destructive because brushing is
essential for healthy teeth. If this is
happening, it is beneficial to rinse with a fluoride rinse twice a day in
addition to brushing and not in place of it. Fluoride should be included
in toothpaste as a cavity fighter. Also,
look for xylitol products, which can be found in certain chewing gums and hard
candies. These xylitol products have
been effective to help reduce cavity causing bacteria in pregnant women. Also, it may be easier to eat many smaller
nutritious meals during the day. Sometimes food cravings cause a pregnant
woman to not eat the healthiest foods, but a healthy diet is very important for
not only the growth of your child, but also a healthy mouth for mom.
In conclusion, it is important for a mommy to start taking care of
her own oral hygiene before baby is born. Baby will be ready to see the
dentist within six months of having their first tooth, or by the age of one to
continue their dental health. Please
visit www.aapd.com for more guidelines on dental health for you and your child.
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS is a pediatric dentist at Drs. Seidel,
DeFilippo and Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
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