Good oral health for two: Mother and baby
- Part 2 -

Dr Kh Eremba *

Keep in mind while you are pregnant:

Stress: The first trimester of pregnancy is a critical time. All organ systems are forming during this period. Tooth buds begin formation at the fourth to fifth week of gestation followed by the initial mineralization of bones and teeth from the ninth to twelfth week. Stress experienced by the unborn child at this time can produce dento-oral deformities.

For example, a cleft lip or palate results when the maxillae fail to unite between the fourth to sixth weeks. These changes can result from a variety of etiologic factors affecting the mother such as genetics, stress of an injury, severe virus infection, alcohol toxicity or smoking. An excessive stress to the fetus at any critical time in development can result in a temporary but often irreparable arrest in cellular growth.

While you are sick: If you cannot brush your teeth because you feel sick, rinse your mouth with water or a mouth rinse that has fluoride. If you vomit, rinse your mouth with water to remove the acid left on your teeth. Do not use a toothbrush right after vomiting. This can damage your teeth

Eat healthy foods and drink well. Juice and soda are full of sugar so choose drinks carefully.

Diet: Important components of the mother's diet need to be maintained properly as proper nutrition during pregnancy is essential. A healthy diet is necessary to provide adequate amounts of nutrients for the mother-to-be and unborn child.

Although nutritional deficiencies in the mother usually must be severe to affect the unborn child, a daily balanced diet provides the necessary proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Food cravings may lead to the consumption of foods that increase the mother's caries risk. The caries potential of the mother's diet (ie, cariogenicity of certain foods, beverages, medicines) as well as its effect on her child should be known.

Oral health care for: Breastfed Infants 0 - 11 months

Breastfeeding is best for the baby's oral health.

The newborn should become accustomed to oral care early. After feeding, the ridges where the teeth will later appear and the palate should be gently wiped with gauze or a soft washcloth. This removes leftover food, and establishes a routine for the mother to clean inside the child's mouth. Children need directly supervised oral hygiene care throughout childhood.

Baby's gums and teeth should be cleaned after each feeding or at least twice daily and before bedtime.

Use a moist cloth or a small soft toothbrush to wipe teeth once teeth begin to erupt or visible.

If the baby uses a pacifier, do not dip it in honey or sugar. Clean the pacifier with water only.

Once the baby begins eating foods or liquids, pay special attention to cleaning their teeth. Between meals fill a training (sippy) cup with water only (no milk, formula, or juice). Avoid frequent or prolonged use of a sippy cup.

Transmission of S. mutans (micro organisms responsible for caries initiation) to the infant most likely occurs during the first year of life, after the eruption of teeth. If the infant has a high sucrose diet in the presence of S. mutans the conditions are favorable for the initiation of caries. The early establishment of oral hygiene measures and the adoption of a low cariogenic diet and low-risk feeding patterns should begin in infancy.

Germs (Streptococcus mutants) that cause tooth decay can pass from moms and caregivers mouth to your baby's mouth through saliva. Do not share cups and eating utensils, pre-chew food or put a pacifier in the mother mouth before giving it to the baby. Similarly don't put baby spoon in mother's mouth. Use a clean spoon to taste the baby's food. Clean the baby pacifier with water and don't use mouth to clean it.

Lift the baby's lip regularly and look for white or brown spots on the front and back sides of the teeth near the gum line. If any changes are noticed seek dental care. Take the baby to a dental provider by age one or earlier if the baby has teeth. The dental provider may recommend fluoride drops, fluoride varnish, or a smear of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than two at high risk for tooth decay or whatever is required.

With the advances in the field of health, pregnancy is no longer regarded as a contraindication to the provision of quality dental care. Rather, implementing necessary dental treatment during pregnancy will lead to better pregnancy outcomes and a stress-free period of pregnancy for the expecting mother.

Pass your good oral health habits on to your children .They are a gift for life.

(Concluded)