• February 2023 Why Oral Health During Pregnancy Matters Newsletter

babytalk


Mother and Baby Oral Care:
How Are They Linked?

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a great time to raise awareness and highlight ways to improve children’s oral health.

Childbirth Graphics is committed to protecting young children’s oral health. In our parenting education products section, we have educational models and materials that explain the dangers of baby bottle tooth decay and early childhood caries as well as teaching tools to help children learn how to practice proper oral hygiene.

Most expectant parents know that healthy habits, such as proper nutrition, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding harmful substances, are important for a healthy pregnancy and baby. What they may not realize, however, is how important a mother’s dental health is for a healthy pregnancy and for a baby’s future oral health.



Read on to learn more about the importance of dental care during pregnancy, and discover some of our educational resources that can make a difference in young children’s dental health.



How Pregnancy Affects an Expectant Mother’s Oral Health

Before pregnancy, some women may already have a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis, which causes redness and swelling of the gums, and others may develop gingivitis during pregnancy. As many as 75 percent of pregnant woman have gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to severe gum disease (periodontitis), which can lead to damage of the surrounding bone and tooth loss.



Sure to make an impression, our Clean Mouth/Dirty Mouth
Display contrasts an unhealthy mouth with a healthy mouth.


Hormonal changes during pregnancy can promote the development of gingivitis. Oral health during pregnancy can also be negatively impacted during pregnancy for other reasons. Morning sickness can cause stomach acid to weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk for cavities. Frequent snacking during pregnancy and cravings for sugary foods can promote tooth decay and cavities. Pregnancy also can be exhausting, making expectant mothers more tired and less likely to keep up with their oral hygiene regimens.



The Link Between Oral Health Problems and Premature Birth

Research has suggested a link between gum disease in the mother and preterm delivery and low-birthweight babies. Oral bacteria may travel from the mother’s gums into her bloodstream and to her uterus, where chemical changes may result in preterm labor.



How a Mother’s Oral Health Can Affect Her Baby’s Teeth

Mothers who have large amounts of oral bacteria in their mouths can pass the bacteria from their own mouths to the mouths of their babies during common parenting behaviors, such as sharing spoons. This bacteria can cause problems in a baby’s oral health as they get older. For example, children whose mothers have tooth loss and untreated cavities are three times more likely to have childhood cavities.



Our Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Model Set shows parents the
perils of giving a child a bottle of fluids with sugars at bedtime.


Ways Expectant Mothers Can Help Protect Their Oral Health

  • Visit your dentist regularly when you are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant. Let your dentist know you are pregnant.

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

  • Floss daily.

  • Eat healthy foods, limiting sugary drinks and snacks.

  • Avoid all tobacco products.


Demonstrate proper toothbrushing technique with
our Mr. Clean Mouth With Giant Toothbrush.


How Parents Can Take Care of Their Children’s Teeth

  • Do not put a child to bed with a bottle.

  • Avoid foods and drinks for young children with added sugars. Added sugars should be avoided for children under the age of 2.



Use our Sippy Cup of Sugar™ Display to explain
the risks of too much added sugar in a child’s diet.


  • Have your child’s first dental visit when the first tooth appears or no later than your child’s first birthday, and schedule regular appointments.

  • Brush or wipe your baby’s teeth each day.

  • Supervise and teach older children to burth their teeth twice a day and floss daily.


Find More Dental Health Education Materials

Dental health matters at every age and stage. Find more dental health models and materials that can be used to teach and inspire healthy habits in young people and adults in our parenting models and education products section.

The information contained in this article is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.


©2023 Childbirth Graphics®