The perinatal period runs from about weeks 20–28 of pregnancy until 1–4 weeks after birth. A dental checkup may be the last thing on your mind, but research links a mother’s gum disease to premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Cavity-causing bacteria in mothers are also linked to problems for infants and young children. The AAPD recommends regular dental checkups and counseling for expectant mothers.
Tips for expectant mothers
- Brush and floss. Brush with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash.
- Chew xylitol gum. Chewing it 3–5 times a day during pregnancy has been shown to reduce cavities in infants and toddlers. No other sugar substitute has proven beneficial in studies.
- Check your diet. Keep a food diary and cut back on sugary and starchy foods, which feed mouth bacteria.
- Keep your dental appointments. We can check your teeth and suggest ways to reduce oral bacteria.
Caring for your baby’s gums and teeth
Cavity-causing bacteria can pass from parent to child through shared spoons and pacifiers cleaned in a parent’s mouth. Use separate utensils, and rinse pacifiers with warm water instead.
- Wipe gums with a damp cloth after every feeding. Babies can get cavities as soon as the first tooth appears.
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and a tiny smear of ADA-approved non-fluoridated toothpaste (under age two).
- Floss once two teeth touch. Ask us how.
- Choose an orthodontically correct pacifier, and never dip it in honey or anything sweet.
- Move to a cup. Bottles and sippy cups bathe teeth in milk, formula, juice and other sugary drinks. Only offer water in sippy cups, and stop using them after the first birthday.
- Visit the dentist for a “well-baby” checkup around age one.