Nebraska has approximately 25,000 new births each year.¹ Pregnancy is a time to take extra care of teeth and gums. Due to significant hormonal changes, the resistance level to oral disease can be lessened and it is important to increase individual oral hygiene efforts with brushing, flossing and professional cleanings during the second trimester to prevent opportunistic bacteria from causing dental infections. Common oral health problems during pregnancy include painful and hyperemic bleeding gums, swollen pregnancy granulomas, advancing periodontal disease, and increased risk for tooth decay for the mother.²

It is important to also remember the connection between the mother’s oral health and the oral health of her unborn baby. During this time the mother should receive perinatal nutrition counseling with special emphasis on calcium, protein, fruits, nuts and cheese with prenatal vitamins to help with the development of the baby teeth. Nationally, only about one fourth of women see a dentist during their pregnancy.³ The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is working to increase awareness of the importance of oral health care in expectant mothers.

Sources:

1. United States Census Bureau. State & County QuickFacts; 2013. Available at: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/00000.html.

2. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Brochure; 10/17/2013. Available at: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/Pages/prams.aspx.

3. Silk, H., Douglass, A. B., Douglass, J. M., Silk, L. (2008) “Oral Health during Pregnancy.” American Family Physician. 77:8.