THE BIG PICTURE · diagnosed, you may have to get extra professional cleanings and sometimes (but rarely) excision. . Also, you should see your dentist shortly after giving birth

KANSAS CITY ORTHODONTIST 1

THE BIG PICTURE on Dental Health and Prenatal Care:

What to Do During and After Pregnancy to Ensure A Healthy Mouth for Baby

DID YOU KNOW PREGNANCY CAN AFFECT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH?

Yes, in some women, pregnancy can lead to dental problems. These problems include risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Why? The dreaded hormones changing, which can change and largely affect the body’s response to plaque that nasty layer of germs on your teeth. However, by exercising proper hygiene and with help from your dentist, you can keep your teeth healthy through pregnancy.

Dental disease can affect your developing baby. In fact, research has shown that periodontal disease (chronic infection of the gums) can trigger premature birth. However, if expectant mothers receive proper dental treatment during this time, they can reduce the risk of premature birth.

If you are not pregnant but are planning to start your family soon, good oral hygiene habits will help you to avoid any problems during those wonderful “baby bump” months. Pre-pregnancy dental care is paramount to being able to enjoy your time and not worry about the baby. So – brush at least twice a day, floss and visit your dentist regularly.

If you are pregnant now, let your dentist know right away. He or she will delay your x-rays until after the birth unless they are unavoidable. In that case, they will take every precaution to ensure your baby’s safety.

Dustin S. Burleson, DDS, MBA


COMMON CAUSES of Dental Health Problems During Pregnancy

GUM PROBLEMSSome women are more susceptible to gum problems while pregnant due to hormonal changes. They include:

GINGIVITIS – Gingivitis is when the gums become inflamed and is more likely to happen in the 2nd trimester. Some symptoms include bleeding of the gums and swelling of the gums, especially when brushing and flossing.PERIODONTAL DISEASE – Untreated gingivitis can cause periodontal disease and pregnancy can worsen this chronic gum infection disease.PYOGENIC GRANULOMA – This is also known as pregnancy epulis and is a localized enlargement of the gums, causing your gums to bleed easily. If diagnosed, you may have to get extra professional cleanings and sometimes (but rarely) excision.

Be sure to alert your dentist immediately about any gum problems you may be having. In addition, buy a softer

toothbrush, brush at least three times a day and use a fluoride toothpaste if

you are not already. Fluoride will help to strengthen your teeth against decay.

Also, you should see your dentist shortly after giving birth. Research shows that most gum problems will dissipate after you give birth but a small number of women will get a level of gum disease that may need to be resolved through a dentist.



VOMITINGExcessive vomiting can, in fact, damage your teeth. Because pregnant women tend to vomit often due to gastric reflux (acid buildup in the stomach) and morning sickness, repeated vomiting can damage tooth enamel and intensify the risk of decay. If this is the case, here are some suggestions to help:

Even though your teeth are covered in stomach acid following a vomiting event, you want to avoid brushing your teeth right away, despite how hard that may be. This is because the action of brushing may scratch the tooth enamel.

Instead, rinse your mouth with tap water thoroughly.

Then, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.

Wait one hour and then brush.

SUGARY FOOD CRAVINGSAs you know, pregnancy changes your body into

giving you unusual food cravings which may include sugary snacks. While avoiding these cravings is

especially hard, not avoiding them can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. Do your best to snack on low-sugar foods. Try fresh fruit to satisfy a sweet

craving and brush and rinse well afterwards with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash.

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HOW CAN YOUR ORAL HEALTH BE TRACED TO YOUR BABY’S HEALTH?

The simple answer is – through the bacteria in your mouth. If you are pregnant and have bacteria growth in your mouth, it can potentially enter your bloodstream via your gums and travel to your uterus. This triggers the production of prostaglandins – chemicals that are known to cause premature labor.

Also, once baby is born, you can potentially pass on mouth bacteria to your newborn. This process is called vertical transmission.

So, now that you’re a new mom and loving your baby with every ounce of unconditional love you have to give, always keep in mind that even though you can’t see them yet, your baby has little tiny teeth hiding right there beneath their gums. It is imperative that you take care of them right from the beginning of their precious life.

In the morning after first feeding and right before bed, wipe the baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth. This will help to wipe away any sugar and bacteria that may be lingering and can cause cavities later on.

Once your baby’s first tooth does come in, be sure to begin brushing twice a day with just a tiny amount of children’s toothpaste (the size of a piece of rice will suffice).

Once your baby reaches his or her first birthday, make an appointment to see the dentist. This is vital to spotting signs of early problems.



BREASTFEEDING: What You Should Know About Oral Health

Did you know that breastfeeding can impact the oral and dental health of both you and baby? Here’s how:

BUILDING A BETTER BITEStudies have shown that babies who are breastfed for at least the first six months of life are less likely to have alignment issues with their teeth, which include crossbites, open bites and overbites. Your chances are much better, but this is not a given. Other factors are added into the equation, such as genetics, sucking of the thumb and pacifier use. Every single child is different and may need to have braces someday. Breastfeeding, however, gives them a better chance.

THE QUESTION ON WEANING

Many moms ask, “Do I need to stop breastfeeding when my baby starts teething?” The answer is no. Stop when you want to. It will not do any good to wean baby before they and you are not ready.

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REDUCING THE RISK OF BOTTLE TOOTH DECAYWhen baby drinks from a bottle, they have a higher risk of baby bottle tooth decay. This is because of the repeated, lengthy exposure of the teeth to drinks that have sugar in them. It is most especially dangerous when putting your baby to bed with a bottle (unless it is water). Breastfeeding is best to eliminate bottle tooth decay.

Of course, some moms don’t have a choice when it comes to breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. If you have to bottle feed, be sure to wipe your baby’s gums gently with a cloth twice a day, and don’t put them to bed with a drink containing any type of sugar. Water is best.

CHECK YOUR MEDICATIONS

Sometimes a breastfeeding mom will need to have dental work done that requires medication. Always check with your dentist, pediatrician and personal doctor to make sure that

the medication is safe for baby while nursing. Most antibiotics are safe, but your dentist should know exactly what

you can and cannot take.


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TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF PROPERLYOnce your baby is born, it is so easy to stop worrying as much about yourself and to start putting all of your time and energy into caring for the baby. Some moms, during this time, tend to not brush or floss as well as they used to. However, know that cavity prevention is especially crucial for you during your baby’s first years. Even simply sharing a bite of food from the same spoon as baby can transfer bacteria from your mouth to theirs.

New moms also tend to not get enough sleep and dentists are noticing more teeth grinding (bruxism) because of it. See your dentist if you notice you are grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.

Stay hydrated, especially while breastfeeding. A dry mouth puts you at risk for cavities, gum disease and a build up of bacteria.

If you are not healthy, you won’t have the energy or the time to ensure that your baby is also healthy. Taking care of yourself is also you helping take care of your baby!


TAKING CARE of Your Infant and Child’s Oral Health from Birth to Age Five

BIRTH TO 6 MONTHSClean your baby’s gums after feeding. Support the baby with one arm and wrap a moist washcloth around the finger of your free hand. Tenderly massage the baby’s gums.

Remember not to put the baby to bed with a bottle or prop it up so they can feed without you.

Dental decay is transmissible. Do not test the temperature of a baby bottle with your mouth. Don’t share utensils.



6-12 MONTHSBetween 6 to 12 months, your baby may get their first tooth. Start caring for their tooth right away.

Keep cleaning their gums after feeding and start using a soft toothbrush with little or no toothpaste.

To relieve teething symptoms, use a chilled teething ring or wet washcloth.

Encourage healthy habits by limiting sugary beverages and foods.

Keep an eye on your child’s gums and teeth. Become familiar with them by regularly looking for small white or brown spots on their teeth. This may indicate dental decay or cavities. If you notice these spots, make an appointment with your dentist.

Schedule your child’s first dentist appointment within their first birthday or after their first tooth comes in.

Talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements if your drinking water does not contain fluoride.

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12 TO 18 MONTHSKeep brushing your child’s teeth with water or a small amount of toothpaste.

Continue to check for spots on teeth.

Schedule a visit to the dentist if they have not had one already.

Continue the necessary measures to avoid passing on bacteria and decay-causing germs to your child.



18 MONTHS TO 5 YEARSUsually by 30 months, your child’s primary teeth have come in.

By age two, your child should be brushing their teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste (pea-sized). At this time, you should be doing this with your child and teaching them to make sure they spit out the toothpaste and avoid swallowing it. Don’t assume that they know.

Teach them to brush their teeth correctly and effectively. A child is not really ready to brush on their own until the age of six.

Continue to look for spots on the teeth and notify the dentist immediately if you find any.

Make sure your child is having regular visits with the dentist.

If your child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumb, talk with your dentist.

HEALTHY SMILE =

HAPPY CHILD

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THE BIG PICTURE · diagnosed, you may have to get extra professional cleanings and sometimes (but rarely) excision. . Also, you should see your dentist shortly after giving birth