Baby Your Teeth

Because an expecting mother’s oral health affects the well-being of her unborn child, it’s vital that excellent dental hygiene habits are prioritized during pregnancy.

Here are three need-to-know insights:

• Studies show there’s a link between mothers who experience gum disease and premature and low birthweight babies.
• Nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant women have pregnancy gingivitis, says the CDC. It develops because of an increase in estrogen and progesterone levels and causes gums to become red, swollen, and sore. While it often goes away after delivery, when gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can cause gums to pull away from teeth and can eventually lead to tooth loss.
• Pregnancy may increase a woman’s risk for cavities because of changing eating habits and cravings. Research also shows that women with an abundance of cavity-causing bacteria during pregnancy and after delivery could transmit these bacteria from their mouth to their baby’s mouth.

Prioritizing your oral health is always important, but even more so during pregnancy. Brush twice and floss once daily, eat a nutritious diet, and see us for regular visits to help lay a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles – for you and your baby!