Some women experience dental problems during pregnancy brought on by increasing the amount of times they snack (especially on snacks with sugar which can cause tooth decay) and/or by hormonal changes which can make gums more sensitive to swelling and/or bleeding. If you are pregnant, it’s important to remember that what you eat can also affect your baby. For this reason your doctor may suggest you take vitamins and supplements — not only for your health, but for your baby’s health.

Did you know that baby teeth begin to form around the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy and that adult teeth begin to form in the twelfth week? A nutritious diet will help assure your unborn baby is getting the nutrients needed for development of healthy teeth and body.

Also, be aware of which drugs you use during pregnancy. Some drugs, such as Tetracycline, can cause discoloration in your baby’s teeth and may even cause problems in adult teeth. Smoking during pregnancy can also cause problems for your unborn baby such as delayed tooth formation.

It’s also important that you regularly brush and floss — gum disease has been linked to premature birth. We recommend you visit your general dentist for a check-up before your baby is born. We’ll help keep you on the right track to oral health.