Part 12: The Prenatal period

PARENT HEALTH

Baby's health is best served when blessed by healthy parents.  A complete physical examination by a physician of both prospective parents is of extreme importance.  The expectant mother especially should be closely observed during pregnancy by either her family physician or an obstetrician.

FAMILY DENTAL HEALTH

As you know, babies develop in the sterile environment of the mother's womb.  We know that the germs that cause dental disease, cavities and gum problems, are not in the womb.  Then, how do we get these germs?  The answer is not one we like very much.  Research has shown that they come from those we love.  From the people who kiss baby.  Dental disease is a communicable, infectious disease process.  It, therefore, becomes a family concern when we talk about helping baby to the prettiest smile.  The job becomes very difficult if baby is daily reinfected by a family member or care giver with uncontrolled dental disease.  We now know how to control both caries (decay) and periodontal disease (pyhorrea).  The process does not take long and is not expensive, so, the first thing to help baby is to have the family ready (dentally) for baby.

MOTHER'S DENTAL HEALTH


Oral Hygiene - During pregnancy, there is a special need for good oral hygiene because pregnancy may exaggerate some dental disorders and  poor oral hygiene can cause complications like preterm low birth weights and preeclampsia.
Dental Caries - Many women still believe that a tooth is lost for every pregnancy, but this is not true.  Decay is the result of repeated acid attacks on the tooth enamel, not from repeated pregnancies.  If a pattern of frequent consumption of sugar- rich foods is allowed, and plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, decay will develop.  Avoid the unnecessary loss of teeth by thoroughly brushing and flossing daily to remove harmful plaque. See Part 4.
  Morning sickness and an increased gag reflex makes good oral hygiene more difficult.  If these problems occur, please advise us and we can provide ways to overcome these problems. Ex - Gargle first with Chloraseptic to temporarily numb the gag reflex, and use of a water irrigator can help.
Pregnancy gingivitis -   Unremoved plaque on your teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed easily when you brush.  This condition is called gingivitis and can lead to more serious problems of the gums and bone that anchor your teeth in place.  During pregnancy, gingivitis may occur more frequently due to an increased rise in hormone levels.  This exaggerates the gum tissues' response to the irritants in plaque.  But remember, plaque is the major cause of gingivitis.  Even though hormone changes are occuring, you can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean.  Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and eat a balanced diet low in sugar to keep your gums healthy.

Next time - More on food and MOM.