Dental caries is an infectious disease and mothers with cavities can transmit decay producing bacteria to their babies through contaminated pacifiers, toothbrushes or by sharing spoons.¹ Due to this it is essential that mother continue with regular teeth cleanings after pregnancy in order to prevent the transmission of decay producing bacteria to their children.

1. Science Daily. Cavities Are Contagious, Research Show; 02/20/2014. Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140220112402.htm.

The most current data on teeth cleaning after pregnancy is from the years 2009-2011 which noted that 37.2% of women in Nebraska got a teeth cleaning after their most recent pregnancy.

* Note: This question related to teeth cleaning after pregnancy was not included in the questionnaire used from 2012-2015.

For 2009-2011 this data is also broken down by race and is reflected below.

White: 38.9%

Black: 34.1%

Native American: 31.5%

Asian/Pacific Islander: 32.7%

Hispanic: 31.4%