Why is oral health important during pregnancy?
An “old-wives” tale warned that a woman lost a tooth for each baby she delivered.  This belief is not accurate but yet pregnancy can put a woman’s oral health at risk. Shifting hormones, changes in diet and eating habits, and neglect of daily oral hygiene create an environment for dental decay, gum disease (periodontitis) and dry mouth (xerostomia).

Just as much a concern is the pregnant woman’s reluctance to seek professional dental care, and her medical provider overlooking the importance dental care. In fact, a dental examination during pregnancy and treatment of existing oral disease is an important step toward a healthy pregnancy.

A healthy pregnancy is essential for a healthy baby. When the mother has a healthy mouth, the newborn baby starts out on a path to be free of cavities. The best way to keep children cavity free is to begin early by educating pregnant women about ways to have good oral health for herself, for her children and for her entire family. Here are some resources that might help:

Helpful Resources

• Oral Health Kansas Tips & Tricks:
  – Pregnancy, Gum disease & Diabetes & Pregnancy, Gum disease & Diabetes-Spanish
  – Morning Sickness & Morning Sickness-Spanish
  – Pregnancy and Dental Care & Pregnancy and Dental Care-Spanish
• Smiles for Life: A national oral health curriculum
  Course 5: Oral Health for Women – Pregnancy and Across the Life Span
• National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research
  – Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments (printable brochure)
  – Diabetes Dental Tips (printable flyer)
• America Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Oral Care During Pregnancy
• American Academy of Periodontology
  Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  Top Tips for Eating Right During Pregnancy
• American Pregnancy Association
  Pregnancy and Dental Work
• Kansas Head Start Association
  Fast Facts - Oral Health Library
  Colorful, issue specific oral health fliers focused on pregnancy and early childhood. 13 topics- bilingual
  WIC Publications Order Form (If you are a government agency or non profit in Kansas,
  please contact khunt@ksheadstart.org to see if you are eligible for free or reduced rates.)