Pregnancy is a time to be sepecially careful about all aspects of health. Good oral health and nutrition are particularly important during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to quit smoking, stop drinking alcohol and to take drugs only when prescribed by a doctor.

Educating pregnant women about preventing dental caries is also critical. Evidence suggests that most infants and young children acquire caries-causing bacteria from their mothers. Improving the oral health of expectant and new mothers and providing oral health counseling to promote healthy behaviors may reduce the transmission of such bacteria from mothers to infants and young children, thereby delaying the onset of caries.

During Pregnancy:

Brush teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day, and floss once a day.

Limit foods containing sugar to mealtimes only.

Drink water or low-fat milk. Avoid carbonated beverahes (pop or soda).

Choose fruit rather than fruit juice to meet the recommended daily intake of fruit.

Diagnosis (including necessary dental X-rays) and necessary treatment can be provided throughout pregnancy: however, the period between the 14th and the 20th week of pregnancy is the time to receive treatment.

Treatment for conditions requiring immediate attention are safe during the first trimester of pregnancy. Delaying necessary treatment could result in significant risk to you, and indirectly to your baby.