Omni Family Health
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Maintaining Dental Health During Pregnancy for You and Your Baby
Discover how pregnancy can impact your oral health and what you can do to ensure a healthy smile for you and your baby.
Pregnancy and Gum Health
Pregnancy induces hormonal changes that make mothers more susceptible to oral infections and gum disease, such as gingivitis. If left untreated, gum disease can result in bone loss or even tooth loss. Untreated gum disease has been associated with preterm labor and low birth weight.
Tips for Optimal Oral Care:
Routine Dental Check-ups: Visiting your dentist during pregnancy is entirely safe. X-rays, local anesthetics, and most dental procedures are safe as long as the dentist is aware of your pregnancy.
Pre-Delivery Dental Visit: Addressing oral disease during pregnancy positively impacts your baby’s health. Completing all necessary dental treatments prior to your delivery will decrease risk of transferring oral bacteria and oral disease to your baby.
Daily Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and oral bacteria. This will maintain your oral health, also contributing to your baby’s overall wellness.
Cavity Prevention Techniques: Eat a healthy diet and limit sugar intake. If you’re having morning sickness, rinse your mouth with 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water afterwards. This helps wash the acid away and keep your teeth enamel safe.
Infant Oral Care: Gently wipe your baby’s gums twice daily with a clean cloth. Introduce tooth brushing when the first tooth appears, using a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste.
Early Dental Examination: Schedule your baby’s first dental appointment by their first birthday. Also, please consult your pediatrician for an assessment of your baby’s oral health needs.
Omni offers priority dental scheduling for pregnant and postpartum women. Remember to mention your pregnancy status when scheduling.
Pregnancy and Cavities
Pregnant women face an increased risk of cavities due to changes in behaviors, such as eating habits. Moms and babies share everything, including bacteria. If you have untreated cavities, bacteria can be passed from your mouth to your baby’s mouth. Children of mothers with untreated cavities are three times more likely to develop cavities
in childhood.
