Expecting Family

Higher cavity risk

• • Change of frequency of eating and the left-over acid from the morning sickness may increase cavity risk.
  • Myth: Developing baby takes calcium from mother’s teeth – FALSE!
  • Your baby’s calcium comes from your dietary intake!

Puffy or swollen gum (gingivitis)

• The hormone changes may alternate the rate and easiness of fluids and molecules penetrating the tissue in the mouth. Therefore, swollen gum or puffy gum can be observed in 40% and more of the expecting mothers. Practising good oral hygiene and continuing dental routine care is the best prevention measurement at this stage.
• Chlorhexidine rinse may be helpful (consult your dentist)

Preventing gum disease can avoid increased risk for pre-mature birth and low birth weight!

• Vertical transmission = Bacteria that causes cavity can be passed on from caregiver to children.
•   Research has shown that cavity-producing bacteria on average can be found in a baby’s mouth at 16 months of age. Fifty percent (50%) at 6 months old, and some can even acquire it shortly after birth.
•   Bacteria can affect the baby teeth as soon as it starts to erupt. 1st baby tooth on average appears around 6 months old, also around the time when solid food is introduced. So, if we don’t pay attention, cavities can grow on baby teeth fast!

• Children are 7x more likely to skip brushing if their parents skip brushing, too.

1. Routine dental care is generally safe for expecting mothers. While dental care is safe throughout the pregnancy, the best timing may be during early 2nd trimester when the pregnancy is more stable and less likely to have posture discomfort while laying in the dental chair. (*consult your medical doctor prior to dental care if experiencing pregnancy complications, such as hypertension)
2. Change toothpaste if your current toothpaste flavour gives you morning sickness.
3. Rinse your mouth with water after morning sickness and after vomiting.
4. Don’t brush immediately after vomiting. Best to rinse with water to reduce acidity in the mouth and brush about 30 minutes after to best protect the enamel.
5. Xylitol: Studies have shown early introduction of xylitol during pregnancy via xylitol chewing gum may reduce chances of premature birth, and lower the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to children after birth!