PREGNANCY PRENATAL CARE AND ORAL HEALTHCARE FOR

CHILDREN

MY NIECE…MORGAN

PREGNANCY AND THE ORAL – SYSTEMIC LINK The facts:

According to the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institute of Health, research has shown that since a pregnant woman shares blood with her unborn baby, any infection of the mouth - such as a cavity or gum (periodontal) disease — can affect the baby.

What this means: Pregnant women who have gum disease may be

more likely to have a baby that is premature. It is also thought that gum disease may be

implicated in fertility issues.

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTHChanges in hormones and behaviour patterns

canresult in a range of problems: Decay – from increase bacteria Gag reflex – can compromise brushing Erosion – wearing away of the enamel from

acids such as morning sickness Epulis – lumps on the gum Gingivitis – swelling and tenderness of the

gums Periodontal disease – infection of the gums

and surrounding bone

HOW DO I INCREASE THE CHANCES OF A HEALTHY PREGNANCY? A DENTAL PERSPECTIVE When preparing for, or during your

pregnancy, remember to visit to your hygienist/dentist.

During your pregnancy, your teeth and gums need special attention.

Regular brushing and flossing, eating a balanced diet and visiting your hygienist regularly will help reduce dental problems that can accompany pregnancy.

VISIT THE HYGIENIST WHEN YOU ARE PREGNANT Tell your hygienist/dentist you are pregnant. Discuss any stresses, past/current health and

pregnancy complications and medications. These factors will all influence how your hygienist attends to your needs.

A thorough examination of your teeth and gums will be carried out. A treatment plan or maintenance plan will then be recommended.

WHAT IF I AM DIAGNOSED WITH PERIODONTAL DISEASE DURING PREGNANCY? Treatment is safe and poses less of a risk

than leaving the problems untreated. Your dentist or hygienist might recommend

scaling and root planing. This is a common procedure that meticulously removes contamination, toxins, micro-organisms, plaque and tartar from teeth and gums.

CAN I TRANSMIT HARMFUL BACTERIA THAT MAY AFFECT MY BABY'S TEETH? Yes. Cavity-causing germs can be transmitted

through contact — like when baby puts hands in your mouth, and then in his/her own mouth. That's why it's so important to keep your own teeth and gums healthy.

CHILDREN’S TOOTH FORMATION Your baby’s first teeth will begin to develop about

three months into pregnancy. At birth, a full set of baby teeth has begun to form

underneath the gums. Crown formation is not complete until well after

birth. Root formation takes even longer. During the last trimester, the mother provides all

minerals needed to calcify the baby´s teeth. The best source of minerals is from an increased

intake of calcium-rich food and drink by the mother. The healthier your diet is, the greater the likelihood

that your baby’s teeth and gums will be healthy too.

ANATOMY OF A TOOTH

TEETHING A baby's first tooth usually comes through the gum

between 6 to 9 months of age. A full set of 20 primary teeth is usually present by 3

years of age. Symptoms of teething are variable and may include:

Irritability Mouthing of objects Dribbling may increase Food fussiness or refusal Redness on cheeks Swelling on gums Restlessness by day, sleeplessness by night Rashes on faces or buttocks

Management is based on symptoms shown

EMERGING TEETH

ERUPTION AND LOSS OF BABY TEETH

TOOTH DECAY IN CHILDHOOD Baby teeth can decay from the time they appear in

the mouth. In fact, teeth decay more readily when they first erupt.

Babies are born sterile. They have no decay causing bacteria in their mouths. Bacteria is transferred to babies via contact.

Decay causing bacteria use sugars from foods to produce acid attacks. Each acid attack can last up to 20 minutes.

The very early stages of mineral/enamel loss are reversible.

One of the best ways to ensure your child stays decay-free is to ensure that your own teeth and gums are clean and healthy.

IS BREASTFEEDING BETTER THAN BOTTLE FEEDING IN PREVENTING EARLY CHILDHOOD DECAY? Many experts recommend breast-feeding

over bottle-feeding for the overall health of your child.

However, breast-feeding can lead to Early Childhood Cavities in the same way that bottle-feeding can.

To prevent early childhood cavities: Avoid overnight feeding, Avoid letting baby walk around with a bottle The Dental Association recommends that you

encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday

BABY BOTTLE DECAY

early decay moderate decay

severe decay

WHO CHECKS CHILDREN’S TEETH? Dentists - qualified to treat diseases and oral

conditions that affect the teeth and gums. Dental Hygienists – work co-jointly with the

dentist. They are qualified to treat diseases of the gums and soft tissues.

Dental Therapists - work co-jointly with the dentist. They treat diseases of the teeth and gums in pre-school, primary and secondary school aged children.

You – availability means you are first line of defence.

CHECKING CHILDREN’S TEETH Lap to lap technique

CHECKING CHILDREN’S TEETH Lift the lip tehcnique

PREVENTION PREVENTION PREVENTION!

Take your child for regular dental visits from the first signs of teeth. Familiarization can begin even earlier.

Protect children’s teeth with fluoride. Prioritize oral health at least twice each day. A balanced diet is necessary for children to

develop strong, decay-resistant teeth. If you are, or planning to be, pregnant get

prenatal dental care and eat a healthy diet. Talk to your child’s dentist/therapist about

sealants. They protect teeth from decay.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO BRUSH CHILDREN’S TEETH? If your baby won't open their mouth when it's time

to brush their teeth, then try putting a brush in YOUR mouth - babies love to mimic whatever Mum is doing!

Open your mouth wide and sing a song. They will either try to copy your singing - or they will laugh - but either way, they will have opened their mouth!

Sit your baby in the most comfortable position for both of you - try standing or sitting behind your baby as they look up.

Be gentle - it isn't necessary to brush firmly at this stage and it may just put your baby off having their teeth brushed altogether!

HOW TO BRUSH

SHOULD CHILDREN FLOSS? YES! Flossing removes food particles and plaque

between teeth that brushing misses. Children should begin flossing by age 4 with

assistance. At age 8, most kids can begin flossing for

themselves.

HOW TO FLOSS

WHAT IS FLUORIDE AND HOW DO I KNOW MY CHILD IS GETTING ENOUGH? Fluoride is one of the best ways to help prevent

against tooth decay. A naturally occurring mineral, fluoride combines

with the tooth's enamel to strengthen it. In many municipal water supplies, the right

amount of fluoride is added for proper tooth development.

If your water supply does not contain any (or enough) fluoride, or your child has weakened enamel, your child's pediatrician or dentist may suggest using fluoride drops or a mouthrinse in addition to a fluoride toothpaste.

WHEN SHOULD I START USING FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE FOR MY CHILD? When your child is able to spit. Fluoride is safe and necessary to keep teeth

strong, but only at appropriate levels. Younger toddlers tend to swallow toothpaste in

excessive amounts, and this may lead to fluorosis, which causes discoloration of the teeth.

And remember — even if your water is fluoridated, you still need to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is necessary in both "topical" forms — like toothpaste, and "ingested" forms - like water or fluoride supplements.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD CHIPS, BREAKS OR KNOCKS OUT A TOOTH? Contact your dentist immediately. If your child is in pain give a pain reliever. Keep any broken pieces. If a tooth is completely knocked out, handle

the tooth as little as possible — do not wipe or clean the tooth. Ideally put the tooth back into the child’s mouth, have them tuck it into their cheek. Alternatively, store the tooth in water or milk until you get to your dentist.

IS IT OK THAT MY CHILD SUCKS HIS/HER THUMB? Thumbsucking is normal for infants Most stop on their own by age 2 If your child sucks his/her thumb beyond age

2, try to discourage it by age 4 Thumbsucking beyond age 4 can lead to

crooked, crowded teeth and/or bite problems

DENTAL CONCERNS FACING CHILDREN BORN PREMATURELY Evidence shows that children who are born

prematurely are more prone to develop dental problems.

Baby teeth are most vulnerable however, secondary teeth can also be affected.

Most often seen are:Delayed tooth eruption Enamel defectsTooth discolourationGreater risk of tooth decayPalatal groovesOver crowding

DENTAL ADVICE FOR CHILDREN BORN PREMATURELY Let your dentist/therapist/hygienist know that

your child was born prematurely. Visit your dentist/therapist/hygienist

religiously Like with all children (and adults) it is all

about PREVENTION Incorporate fluoride Provide a nutritious diet Minimise snacks between meals Clean or brush children’s teeth/mouth after

meals Follow your dentists recommendations Don’t share eating implements

HOW DO I ENCOURAGE KIDS TO BE PARTNERS IN THEIR ORAL HEALTH? http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QMogM6TRIQ&feature=related

Kids love to mimic what their parents are doing

Make it fun with games http://www.colgate.com/app/

BrightSmilesBrightFutures/US/EN/Kids/Games.cvsp

Positive reinforcement http://www.colgate.com.au/app/Colgate/AU/

OC/Information/InteractiveGuides/EveryAge.cvsp

MY ADVICE TO YOU All women, either pregnant or considering

pregnancy should have a full oral health examination.

The guidelines maintain that diagnosis and treatment, including x-rays, can be undertaken safely during pregnancy.

Dental treatment should be co-jointly managed by prenatal and oral health care providers.

Elective treatment can be deferred until after delivery.

Don’t delay in obtaining necessary treatment, it could result in significant risk to you and baby alike.

Use a gentle toothbrush Brush teeth twice daily Use a fluoride toothpaste Floss daily Limit foods containing sugar to mealtimes only Choose water or low-fat milk as a beverage Choose fruit rather than fruit juice Use a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water

as a rinse or a mouthwash after vomiting Chew sugarless or xylitol-containing gum after

eating