Recommendations for dental and oral health during pregnancy

In order to avoid dental problems because of pregnancy, we recommend a combination of prevention and, where appropriate, early periodontal treatment. The earlier periodontal disease is detected and treated, the better the outcome. The initial tissue damage caused by periodontitis can be reversed and the tissue can regenerate when subject to early treatment. Therefore periodontitis can and should be handled with care during pregnancy. Pregnant women should also follow a healthy, balanced diet. Sugar should not only be omitted because it is cariogenic, but also to avoid unnecessary weight gain. An excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy is considered extremely harmful to the child, as is tobacco and alcohol consumption.

In a new-born’s mouth, there is no plaque. It is passed to the child’s mouth by its respective caregivers. It is scientifically proven that children suffer from tooth decay earlier and more severely the more plaque there is in the oral cavity of their caregivers. With good oral hygiene, professional cleaning and tooth restoration before and during pregnancy and in infancy and early childhood, the generation of tooth decaying bacteria can be delayed in children. Because of this, parents have the opportunity to influence their child’s oral health positively.

What you need to know

Primary prevention. For optimum oral health, we offer a prevention programme for expectant parents. This programme includes measurements of dental prophylaxis before and after the birth for the child and both parents. Caries and periodontal disease are infectious diseases. Your child is born without caries pathogens. These pathogens are transmitted through the saliva of related caregivers (mother, father, siblings). The main goals of primary prevention are avoiding the germ transmission to the child through targeted and postnatal germ reduction in the parents, the best possible oral hygiene at home, a tooth-friendly diet and the early detection of problems through regular visits to the dentist.

Precautionary approach

We recommend two precautionary appointments to pregnant women. The shape of teeth should be checked and the amount of bacteria should be reduced by professional tooth cleaning (PTC) during both appointments. The first appointment is, preferably, carried out in the first trimester of pregnancy and the second in the last trimester. If an urgent need for treatment is detected during the first appointment, such as acute periodontitis, then the treatment will take place preferably in the second trimester, because at this time, the risks to the unborn baby are the lowest. In conclusion, it can be said that through good dental health you are not only a role model for your child’s health: with a small amount of bacteria in your mouth, you not only prevent damage to your own body, but through good oral health you can protect your baby from developmental disorders, chronic diseases, and last but not least against caries and periodontal disease.