Moms-to-be have a lot on their minds, but they shouldn’t neglect their own nutrition or dental health. Believe it or not, how a pregnant woman treats her teeth will affect her baby’s teeth!
An unborn child’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so expectant mothers need plenty of vitamins A, C and D, protein, calcium and phosphorus.
Have you heard that expectant moms lose calcium from their teeth during pregnancy? It’s just a myth. Your baby will get his or her calcium from your diet, not your teeth – or from your bones if your diet doesn’t provide enough.
Another myth is that women lose a tooth for every pregnancy. Tooth decay results from attacks on a tooth’s enamel, which can result from eating and drinking too many carbohydrates (sugars and starches) and inadequate brushing.
Gingivitis (irritated gums) may occur more frequently during pregnancy because of higher hormone levels. Some signs of gingivitis are redness, puffiness and bleeding gums. Call your dentist if you think you may have gingivitis.
The bottom line for pregnant women and their teeth:
- Eat a balanced diet and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
- Avoid sweet and sticky between-meal snacks; eat healthy snacks, and brush afterward.
- Brush after meals with a fluoride toothpaste and floss thoroughly every day to remove harmful plaque from your teeth.
- Continue with regular dental appointments. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are or think you may be pregnant.
