Regular dental visits are important before, during and after pregnancy. 
Be sure to inform your Dentist and/or Dental Hygienist that you are pregnant. If you take any medications or your health status has changed please report to your health care provider.

Why is oral health important to you and your baby?

• Healthy teeth and gums contribute to overall health.
• Recent research suggests that bacteria from diseased gums may travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. This can contribute to a number of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and pneumonia.
• Gum disease in pregnant women may contribute Low Birth Weight Pre-Term Labour Infants. Evidence is not conclusive and many studies are being conducted.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to an increased reaction of the gum tissue to bacteria and dental plaque (Dental Plaque is the film of bacteria that grows on everyone’s teeth). This can lead to a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.
• Pregnancy gingivitis can cause gum tissues to become more tender and swollen and may cause the gum tissues to bleed more than usual.
• Prevention with good oral home care and professional oral care is very important during pregnancy.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness may cause tooth decay. Stomach acid left on the teeth may damage your teeth and cause tooth decay. If you vomit you should rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride rinse as soon as you can afterward.

Oral Hygiene of parents can affect oral health of infants.

• Dental Caries/Cavities is caused by an infectious bacteria that infants are not born with.
• Adults may transfer this decay causing bacteria to infants.
• Adults who maintain good oral hygiene minimize the amounts decay causing bacteria in their mouths, which minimizes the amount of decay causing bacteria that can be transferred to an infant.
• Good oral hygiene in parents may help to prevent ECC in infants.

Avoid transferring harmful bacteria to baby by:

• not sharing utensils with infant
• not putting soothers in adults mouth
• maintain good oral hygiene

Resource Links:

• Smart snacking for teeth & gums
• American Academy of Periodontology Recommendations - Baby Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy and On-Time Delivery
• The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association Oral Care Centre Facts and Tips
• Oral Health - Public Health Agency of Canada