Your health plan may include the Pregnancy Dental Benefit, which covers one extra dental cleaning at 100% for qualified members. See if you qualify.

Pregnancy hormones can affect your mouth just as much as the rest of your body.

These changes can increase your risk for:

• Gingivitis: Red, swollen gums affect up to 75% of pregnant women. If untreated, it can lead to more serious gum disease and may impact pregnancy outcomes.
• Tooth Sensitivity and Decay: Shifts in diet, calcium loss, and oral bacteria can raise your risk for cavities—which can be passed on to your baby.
• Enamel Erosion: Acid reflux and morning sickness can contribute to erosion of enamel, which can also put you at heightened risk of cavities.
• Dry Mouth: Common during pregnancy and can contribute to dental problems.

FAST FACTS

• 1 in 4 women of childbearing age has untreated cavities.
• Children of mothers with untreated cavities are over 3x more likely to develop cavities.
• Poor oral health in moms is linked to early childhood dental issues.

KEEP SMILING: WHY DENTAL HEALTH MATTERS POSTPARTUM

After your baby arrives, your oral health is still a priority. Shifting hormones post-pregnancy can cause or worsen conditions like dry mouth and gingivitis that occurred while pregnant. Plus, your habits can influence your baby’s dental future.

What You Can Do:

• Stick to your routine: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, use mouthwash, and floss daily.
• Schedule a postpartum dental visit: It’s a great time to check in on your oral health – and learn what to expect with baby’s dental health, too.
• Avoid bacteria transfer: Don’t share utensils with your baby or clean pacifiers with your mouth.
• Plan for baby’s first dental visit: Schedule it by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears.

SMILES TO SHARE

Additional resources and information are available at:

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Protect Tiny Teeth Toolkit for Pregnant and New Moms