Pregnancy and dentistryCongratulations on this exciting and busy time of your life! You have so much to think about during pregnancy but don't forget about your teeth and gums. It may be easy to overlook your mouth, but all the changing hormone levels that occur with pregnancy can actually make some dental problems worse. Brushing and flossing contributes to your overall health, too, and if your mouth is healthy, it’s more likely that your baby’s mouth will be healthy.
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Dental care for your child
We recommend that your child see a dentist by his or her 1st birthday. You may be advised to wait longer, but we will probably want to see your child before all his or her teeth have come in. On the first visit the dentist will check the child's teeth for decay and signs of early developmental problems, answer questions and explain how to care for the child's teeth. Most children should see a dentist every six months.
Even before your baby's first tooth comes in, wipe his or her gums with a wet cloth after feeding to remove excess food and bacteria. After teeth erupt, use a soft-bristled brush and warm water to clean the teeth. By age 3 a child's primary (baby) teeth have appeared and they should be brushing their own teeth with adult supervision. By age 8 children are usually old enough to brush and floss by themselves with only occasional checks. A balanced diet is important for healthy teeth and gums. Children especially need calcium, which helps build strong teeth; some good sources are milk, cheese and yogurt. |