Pregnancy and Your Teeth
- Pregnancy can affect your gum tissue!
- Due to your fluctuating hormones, your gum tissue may become red and puffy. It may also bleed more easily during brushing and flossing. It is safe and important for you to receive dental cleanings throughout your pregnancy.
- Myth: You lose calcium from your teeth during pregnancy!
- It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene with thorough brushing and flossing twice daily. Also, avoid foods that may lead to the development of cavities.
I had my baby, now what? …………Congratulations!!!!
- First Visit by First Birthday!
- Your child should see the dentist by their first birthday
- The dentist will review eating habits and oral hygiene with you. The child will begin to get used to the dental office and instruments. These first visits will help to provide dental prevention and establish a lifetime of healthy dental habits for your child.
- Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle!
- Your child should never be put to bed with a bottle, or at-will nighttime breastfeeding. The child will develop severe dental caries called “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay”. Always wipe your child’s teeth after nursing. If your child must go to bed with a bottle, it should contain water.
- Begin cleaning your child’s mouth daily!
- You can begin to clean your child’s mouth with a washcloth and warm water. Once the child begins teething, you can use a soft toothbrush and non-fluoridated toothpaste.
- You can pass cavity-causing bacteria to your baby!
- For example: do not share utensils, or clean a pacifier with your saliva
We look forward to meeting your new baby! Our goal is to help provide you with information and quality care to establish great dental health for you and your child.