When you are pregnant, taking care of your health also means taking care of your baby. This includes your oral health as well. Pregnancy is not the time to skip the dentist. Preventive dental care now can prevent bigger problems later.
Hormonal changes when pregnant can make your gums more sensitive. The CDC reports, approximately 4 out of 5 pregnant women develop gum disease. This causes red, swollen or bleeding gums. Bleeding is not normal. This can be dangerous. If your gums bleed, do not ignore it. It may be a sign of inflammation that needs attention. Research shows that gum disease is linked to serious problems such as preterm birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia (a serious blood pressure condition that develops after 5 months of pregnancy).
Healthy habits can help keep your gums healthy. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits help reduce your risk for serious problems. This protects both you and your baby. Small habits can make a big difference for you and your baby.
Here are tips to help you keep up with good dental hygiene:
- Brush twice a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Floss once a day
- Get regular cleanings
- If you vomit, do not brush right away; use water and baking soda to neutralize acid
Don’t forget, you receive $25 a month in over the counter (OTC) benefits. You can use your OTC benefits to buy:
- Toothbrush or powered toothbrush
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Floss and mouthwash
Cleanings, dental X-rays and needed treatments are safe at all stages of pregnancy. Ask your dentist questions that may concern you. Your dental team is part of your prenatal care team. If you need help finding a dentist, DentaQuest can help you locate an in-network provider through your plan directory.
Aetna Better Health® of Illinois members age 21 and over are covered for the following dental services:
- Teeth cleanings (1 per year)
- Periodic oral exams (1 per year)
- Restorations
- Complete dentures
- Crowns
- Extractions
- Sedation
Our eligible pregnant members can get additional dental services before baby’s birth. These include:
- Teeth cleaning (1 every 6 months)
- Periodic oral exams (1 every 6 months)
- Periodontal work
Dental care also extends to your baby. A mother’s oral health affects her child’s oral health later in life. Good oral health helps prevent passing cavity-causing bacteria to your baby after birth. Because these bacteria are transmitted through saliva via sharing utensils, food, or cleaning pacifiers, a healthier mouth for you means less risk of developing decay-inducing bacteria in your baby.
Once your baby arrives, a healthy hygiene remains important. Here are simple ways to protect their tiny teeth:
- Wipe baby’s gums with a soft, damp cloth starting at birth
- Do not share spoons
- Do not clean pacifiers with your mouth
- Brush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste when the first tooth appears
- Avoid putting baby to bed with a bottle unless it has only water
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC support early dental care. This gives babies the best possible start to a healthy smile. Schedule the first dental visit by age 1, or sooner if the first tooth erupts earlier.
Your baby’s smile starts with you. Good oral health is an important part of prenatal care and continues postpartum. By brushing and flossing daily, visiting the dentist and using your OTC benefits, you can protect your own health. Starting healthy habits early for your baby can also help your child grow up cavity-free. Taking care of your smile today helps give your baby a healthier tomorrow.