 Pregnancy
is a very exciting time. Taking good care of yourself by eating a
balanced, nutritious diet and visiting the doctor regularly are essential to
getting your baby's life off to a healthy start. Your oral health is an
important part of your overall health. Good oral health habits not only
prevent oral problems during pregnancy, but also contribute to the oral health
of your baby.
What Every Mom Should Know
 Maternal health has significant outcomes for birth outcomes and infant oral health. Your baby's teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month, so it is important to get the sufficient amounts of nutrients, especially calcium, protein, phosphorous, and vitamins A, C, and D. During pregnancy, hormone levels rise considerably and enhance the risk of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is the infection of the tissue that supports your teeth and so gingivitis can be especially common during the second and eighth months of pregnancy. Women may experience red, puffy or tender gums that may bleed when brushing your teeth. This sensitivity is an exaggerated response to plaque and is triggered by an increased level of progesterone in the body. Periodontal disease in the mother has been associated with preterm birth, the development of preclampsia and the delivery of an infant that is small for their gestational age.
To prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease, brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss between teeth twice a day to remove plaque. Your dentist may also recommend more frequent cleanings during your second and third trimesters. Seeing the dentist regularly is an important part of maintaining your oral health as well as setting a good foundation for the oral health of your baby.
Read more about this topic at the American Dental Association
 About the author: Sarah Pham is a recent graduate of UC Santa Cruz.
She is applying to dental school and interning at our office.
Dr. Le's Tips
Eat healthy - talk to your ob/gyn about proper diet and dietary supplements.
See your doctor - Quality pre-natal medical care is a must.
Maintain regular cleanings - Our office recommends regular cleanings at least every 6 months. If you're pregnant, we recommend a cleaning ideally during your second trimester. Always consult your dentist and/or ob/gyn for what you can and cannot do at the dentist during your pregnancy.
Brush and floss everyday - because of your reduced tolerance for plaque, we recommend a quality power toothbrush in addition to daily flossing. Our power brush patients get better results with much less effort. We feel that Listerine is safe for pregnant moms because the alcohol is not swallowed in any meaningful amount.
Hold off on Whitening - there is no conclusive evidence that whitening is dangerous for unborn children, but there is also no conclusive evidence that it is safe, either. It is simply not worth the risk for an elective procedure. Abstain from tooth whitening while pregnant.
References
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/pregnancy.asp
Boggess KA, Edelstein BL. Oral health in women during preconception and pregnancy: implications for birth outcomes and infant oral health. Maternal and Child Health Journal. 2006 Sep;10(5 Suppl):169-74.
Breedlove G., Prioritizing oral health in pregnancy. Kans Nurse. 2004 Nov-Dec;79(10):4-6.
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