During a pregnancy it is important for the expectant mother to maintain dental visits and to inform the dentist of the pregnancy as this may impact on the type of care needed to maintain good oral health.

A number of key factors specific to pregnancy can play a role in oral health and the ADA Inc says that:

• X-rays: Dentists will usually delay any dental x-rays until after a pregnancy unless there is a pressing need. In the case that a dental x-ray is essential, the level of protection provided by the dentist and the very low exposure levels of dental x-rays will ensure safety
• Hormonal changes and gum health: Pregnant women experience hormonal changes, which can sometimes lead to gum inflammation, resulting in swelling and bleeding of the gums. It is important to make your dentist is aware of any gum inflammation. Brushing regularly with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste will assist in maintaining healthy gums and teeth.
• Morning sickness: Morning sickness can have a damaging effect on teeth as they are exposed to acids due to vomiting and gastric reflux. In order to protect teeth against this acid exposure, don’t brush teeth immediately following vomiting, rather smear a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste over the teeth and rinse with water or use a fluoride mouth rinse.
• Food cravings: During pregnancy cravings can lead to snacking. The ADA Inc says that it is important to avoid high sugar snacks. Help look after teeth by eating a wide variety of foods low in sugar and high in calcium and drinking milk and fluoridated tap water where possible. Additionally, while in the womb, a baby’s teeth require calcium for healthy development.
• Research has shown a strong association between gum disease in pregnant women and subsequent pre-term (premature) births and low birth-weight. It is essential that gum disease be controlled as the pregnancy progresses to minimise this effect.

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Fruit juices contain a high level of available sugars, as well as being acidic. It is recommended that they be consumed at a mealtime.

High sugar and acid drinks should be limited to mealtimes in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Water is the best between meal drink.

The growing popularity of bottled water has also been linked to an increase in dental decay. A study by the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health indicated that children drinking non-fluoridated water found in bottled water or tank water had 52% more cavities in baby teeth than children who drank fluoridated tap water.

World wide reputable health authorities such as the World Health Organisation endorse water fluoridation stating it is extremely effective in helping to prevent dental decay and rates water fluoridation as one of the top 10 health achievements of the 20th century.

The ADA says the best way for children to remain adequately hydrated and maintain healthy teeth is to drink fluoridated tap water where possible. If soft drinks, fruit juices or sports drinks are consumed the ADA recommends the following:

• Try not to hold or ‘swish’ the drink around the mouth as this increases the likelihood of dental decay and enamel erosion
• Use a straw where possible as this minimises exposure of the beverage to teeth
• Try to drink chilled drinks as cooler temperatures have been shown as less likely to encourage tooth erosion
• Drink fluoridated tap water as much as possible. Try to follow consumption of a fruit juice, soft drink or sports drink with a glass of water as it helps with saliva flow and helps wash away the sugars and acids from such drinks. Increased saliva flow can assist with neutralising acid from bacteria and protect teeth.

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