It has been reported that pregnant women with periodontal disease may be up to seven times more likely to give birth to premature and underweight babies. One study shows that periodontal infection may be responsible for as much as 18% of the 250,000 premature babies born weighing less than 5.5 pounds annually in the U.S., according to the AAPD.
Premature births have become the number one obstetric problem in the United States, therefore the need to provide more guidance about necessary oral care for expectant moms, in addition to promoting oral health is a key part of pregnant women's overall health.
Additionally, mothers with poor oral health are at greater risk of infecting their children with the bacteria that causes cavities, increasing their children's caries risk at an early age.
Oral health education: Early intervention and counseling during the perinatal period from all healthcare providers, including physicians, dentists, and nurses.
Oral hygiene: Tooth brushing and flossing on a daily basis are important for the parent to reduce bacterial plaque, which research has linked to preterm, low-birth-weight babies.
Diet: Dietary education for the parents, including the potential effect of consumed foods and beverages on their oral health, helps maintain good dental care.
Fluoride: Using a fluoridated toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association and rinsing every night with an alcohol-free, over-the-counter mouth rinse containing 0.05% sodium fluoride have been suggested to help reduce plaque levels.
Caries removal: Routine professional dental care for the parents can help keep their oral health in optimal condition.
Delay of colonization: Education of the parents, especially mothers, on sharing utensils, food, and cups can help prevent the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria.
Xylitol gum: Recent evidence suggests the use of xylitol chewing gum (four pieces per day by the mother) has a significant impact on decreasing a child's caries rate.
All health care professionals should advise women that the following actions may reduce the risk of caries in children:
--Wipe an infant’s teeth after feeding, especially along the gum line, with a soft cloth or soft bristled toothbrush.
--Supervise children’s brushing and use a small (size of child’s pinky nail) amount of toothpaste.
--Avoid putting the child to bed with a bottle or sippy cup containing anything other than water.
--Limit foods containing sugar to mealtimes only.
--Avoid saliva-sharing behaviors, such as sharing a spoon when tasting baby food, cleaning a dropped pacifier by mouth or wiping the baby’s mouth with saliva.
--Avoid saliva-sharing behaviors between children via their toys, pacifiers, etc.
--Visit an oral health professional with child between six and 12 months of age.
