Tips for healthier teeth, gums and well being

Healthy Mom, Health Baby!!!! 12-01-20

Preparing for a newborn is exciting! So many things to do and think about in the preparation.  On the top of the to do list is a prenatal oral wellness checkup!

Overall wellness begins with getting on the right path for oral health for mom and developing baby!

Why a prenatal checkup?

Try to make a dental appointment before getting pregnant. It is important to have your teeth and gums professionally examined so that oral health problems can be addressed in advance of your pregnancy.

1. Prepare for eating healthy and proper nutrition

• Eat a balanced diet. Your baby’s teeth begin to develop at about 3 months into the pregnancy. It is important to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals as your baby’s first teeth are developing. Dairy and cheese along with yogurt are great choices. Have at least 3 servings of dairy products or other calcium rich foods a day. Your OB/Gyn may advise supplements.
• Reducing snacks between meals, limiting sugary and processed foods, choosing fresh fruit and vegetables are always recommended but super important during pregnancy! Cravings can often change the way you usually eat☺
• No smoke or tobacco or alcohol. All are harmful to your health and baby!
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid foods causing acid reflux, end meals with alkaline food or xylitol.

2. Prevention for reducing oral health problems

• Regular prophylaxis (tooth cleaning) pre, during and post pregnancy are important to maintain good gum health. A 4-month interval schedule is recommended. Oral bacteria can place the fetus at risk for preterm delivery and even still birth. Hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to bleeding gums and pregnancy gingivitis and can exacerbate already present periodontal disease. Oral bacteria can then pass through the placental barrier if the mother’s immunity is compromised even through a common respiratory illness such as a cold.
• Do not wait for dental treatment.  Healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies can safely receive oral health services throughout pregnancy with no complications without a consultation from their Obstetric provider. X-rays are taken if necessary, during pregnancy in the prevention of tooth infection. Local anesthetic such as lidocaine can be given during treatment.
• Decay prevention is important since cravings for sugary snacks and carbs can lead to tooth decay.
• Xylitol is great post meals for decay prevention, keeping your mouth alkaline in cases of reflux and can eliminate you from inoculating your newborn with the bacteria that cause tooth decay. We are not born with it ☺ P.S don’t share utensils.
• Use fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay
• Morning sickness (wait an hour before brushing your teeth)
• Nausea and brushing. Use rinses at times during the day that you cannot brush and resume later when brushing may be easier.
• Preventing enamel erosion: rinsing (alcohol free mouth washes, baking soda and water)
• Dispose of tooth brush every 3 months

3. Prepare and discuss with your dentist preparations for nursing and your newborn oral care!

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