Good oral health starts before birth! There is a famous study on prenatal dental care conducted in Brazil. Expectant mothers were divided into two groups. One group of mothers continued to get cleanings every six months, but no other interventions. The second group of expectant mothers was given cleanings every three months and significant oral hygiene instructions, among other things. The children of these two groups were treated similarly after birth. The amazing finding was that the dental health of the CHILDREN from the second group was better than the first over the first decade of life. 
That is pretty amazing to think about the effect of good oral hygiene in expectant mothers on the oral health of children years later! What accounts for the difference between these two groups?
I’ve discussed this in detail in a previous blog post: https://www.joossefamilyorthodontics.com/the-most-important-thing-you-need-to-know-about-cavities/
The difference is based on the fact that most of the bad things (cavities and gum disease, specifically) that happen in our mouths result from bacteria that initially enter our mouths from our parents.
So, prenatal dental care is extremely important! Here are some tips for the expectant mother:
- First, tell your general dentist that you are pregnant and inform them of your due date. There are considerations about the ideal timing of dental care during pregnancy, and your dentist will guide you based on the information you give them.
- Consider more frequent visits (like every 3-4 months instead of every six months) to help improve your oral health. In the presence of plaque, gums can become extra puffy and sore during pregnancy.
- Of course, practice the same good hygiene habits that are recommended for anyone, including brushing for two minutes at least two times per day and flossing daily. Similarly, you should NOT share toothbrushes (this will share bacteria).
- If you are vomiting as a result of morning sickness, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water. This will neutralize the stomach acid that has come into your mouth to help protect your teeth. For a better explanation of why stomach acid can be damaging to teeth, read this previous blog post: https://www.joossefamilyorthodontics.com/fizzy-water-and-dental-health/
These strategies will help make for a healthier pregnancy and a healthier child after giving birth. I’ll address specific strategies for improving your child’s oral health in subsequent blog posts.
Prenatal Dental Care: Contact Us Today
Interested in a straighter, healthier smile for you or your child, Dr. Joosse will provide advice on treatment and the next steps. Call us at 757-229-4181 or visit us online to request your complimentary consultation today.
