By Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

Oral Health is Important for You, Your Baby, and Your Pregnancy

Apr 3, 2016 | 12:05 PM

April is Oral Health Month. During this month, you may see information about oral health for children, adults, and seniors. But did you know that oral health is important during pregnancy as well?

There is a lot of information available about how a pregnant woman can take care of her body in order to ensure the best possible outcome for her unborn child. However, until recently, taking care of her mouth, teeth, and gums during pregnancy was not given much attention.

Did you know that hormonal changes increase a woman’s risk for oral health problems during pregnancy? Poor oral health not only affects her health, but may also affect the health of her baby. Studies have suggested a potential link between severe gum disease (periodontitis) in pregnant women and premature and low birth weight babies. Premature birth can put a baby at risk of death within his first month and lifelong health problems such as chronic lung disease.

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute realizes that many women do not have the information they need – or have incorrect information – about good oral health for themselves during pregnancy and for their babies during their first year. That is why we provide resources on oral health on our website at http://www.skprevention.ca/oral-health/.

Some common myths about oral health and pregnancy include that it is normal for women to lose a tooth for each pregnancy, that developing babies take calcium from mom’s teeth, and that some problems with teeth and gums during pregnancy are acceptable. This is not the case. Women with good oral health care during pregnancy are no more likely to get cavities or lose teeth during pregnancy than at any other time. However, pregnancy may worsen oral health problems, if the problems are not treated.   

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Another common myth is that it isn’t safe for women to receive dental care while they are pregnant. Routine cleanings and treatment are safe and are recommended for pregnant women. Pregnancy is not a time to avoid dental care.    

After pregnancy, many mothers do not know that their own poor oral health may contribute to early childhood caries (cavities) in their young children. Babies may already have the cavity-causing bacteria before they get their first teeth. Mothers are the most common source of transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to their babies. Babies are not born with the bacteria that cause cavities. Instead, they are “infected” sometime in their early life (for example through sharing spoons, soothers). Mothers that have healthy mouths are much more likely to have babies that are free from these cavity-causing bacteria.

Oral disease is preventable and treatable. Women can take these simple actions to protect their own and their baby’s health:
•    Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily.
•    Brush your tongue.
•    Eat a healthy diet.
•    Limit sugary foods.
•    Make an appointment to see your dentist. Now, more than any other time, an exam of your teeth and gums is needed.
•    Avoid sharing spoons, soothers, and other items between your mouth and your child’s mouth.
•    Clean your baby’s gums after every feeding, using a clean washcloth or a gum massager.
•    Take your child for a dental visit by age one and regularly from then on.

By following these simple actions, women can help ensure that their baby is given the best opportunity to be healthy.

For more information on oral health, please contact Krista Kaminski April 1 – April 8, 2016 at (306) 651-4317 or email kkaminski@skprevention.ca.