• Women's Dental Health
• Women's Breath
• Periodontal Disease & Women
• Burning Mouth
• Osteoporosis & Gum Disease
• Osteoporosis: Are You at Risk?
• Easy Tips for a Bright Smile
• Nutrition and Oral Health in Pregnant Women
• Eating Disorders and Dentistry
• Crash Dieting and Your Oral Health
• TMJ Dysfunction Linked to STD's
• Birth Control and Extractions
• Underweight Babies Linked to Gum Disease
• Hormonal Replacement Therapy & Dentistry
• Hormonal Replacement and Periodontal Disease
• Women and Snoring
• Snoring Women at Higher Risk for Heart Disease
• Women, Stress and Dentistry
• Birth Control and Gum Disease

Women's

Nutrition and Oral Health in Pregnant Women and Infants

Good oral health, which includes care of the teeth, gums, and mouth in general, as well as sound nutritional habits are a must in the expecting mother.

Many dental advocates recommend that a woman visit her dentist prior  to pregnancy to receive any needed dental treatment. Once pregnant, there is an  increased incidence of dental health problems that may occur due to hormonal  changes, nausea, vomiting, and food cravings, which  can all alter and increase dental  cavity levels. Nutrition for the expecting mother is important in that  tooth development for the fetus begins by approximately the 6th week of  life. At term, an infant has all the primary teeth and many permanent teeth at  different stages of development that are forming under the infants gums. At  gestation, an adequate diet is necessary for optimal oral development of the  fetus.   

• Birth to 6 months old - the baby's jaw and teeth are developing. Breast  milk or formula is good. Supplementing the baby with fluoride is not  recommended.
• 6months old - 2 to 4 teeth may be present. Gauze and a soft  toothbrush without toothpaste can be used to clean the teeth. Parents must  watch infant's feeding practices at this time, especially with long term use of  bottle with liquids that can cause cavities. It is a good habit to use only  water bottles at nap or bedtime to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.
• 6-12 months - Brush teeth after each meal. Studies suggest that one can supplement with fluoride at 6 months of age, if the drinking water has fluoride  levels less than 0.6ppm(parts per million). The pediatrician and pediatric  dentist will evaluate and help determine the appropriate levels .
• 12-24 months - 20 teeth should be present. Good oral hygiene  and appropriate eating habits are needed. Cavity-causing snacks must be  avoided.
• 2-3 years old - All the baby teeth are present. Child should be taught  to brush his or her own teeth. Flossing can be started with the aid of an adult.