Oral Health: NWHIC

ORAL HEALTH

How does the health of my mouth relate to my overall health?
What other oral conditions should women be aware of?
Does a pregnant woman have special oral health needs?
After the baby is born, what does every mother need to know?

How does the health of my mouth relate to my overall health?

Most of us think of problems with the mouth in terms of cavities, toothaches and broken or crooked teeth. Obviously, lacking healthy teeth can have an effect on how we look, but it is now known that there are more direct links between the health of the mouth and the health of the body.

For instance, people with gum disease (chronic adult periodontitis) are at increased risk for cardiovascular (heart) disease. We also know that pregnant women with gum disease problems are significantly more likely to have premature babies of low-birth weight. This may result from the transfer of bacterial microbes in the mother’s mouth to the baby during the third trimester of pregnancy. The microbes can reach the baby through the placenta (a temporary organ joining the mother and fetus which supplies the fetus with blood and nutrients), through the amniotic fluid (fluid around the fetus), and through the layer of tissues in the mother’s stomach.

Finally, many serious systemic diseases reveal their early signs and symptoms in the mouth. This is why it is important to have a complete periodic oral examination and do everything you can to keep your mouth healthy.

What other oral conditions should women be aware of?

A variety of soft tissue changes in some women during puberty, menstruation, and menopause can happen because of hormonal variations. Oral lesions, such as cold sores and canker sores, may be more frequent. A condition called pregnancy gingivitis often puts expectant mothers at risk for gum disease and may discourage proper brushing and flossing. Gingivitis also can occur during puberty as hormone changes occur.

Around the time of menopause, dry mouth (often also related to the use of certain medications), changes in sensation or taste, increased risk of gum disease, and bone weakness are concerns.

Does a pregnant woman have special oral health needs?

Every expectant mother should have a complete oral examination prior to or very early in pregnancy. All needed dental work should be managed early, because having urgent treatment during pregnancy, while possible, can present risks. Interventions can be started to control risks for gum inflammation and disease. This also is the best time to change habits that may affect the health of teeth and gums, and the health of the baby.

Pregnant women should maintain excellent nutrition and be very complete in brushing and flossing their teeth daily.

After the baby is born, what does every mother need to know?

We now know that the germs that cause tooth decay are passed to babies by their mothers or caregivers. Therefore it is wise not to put your baby's items in your mouth.

Breastfeeding can help babies’ immune systems to respond to bacteria and infection since breast milk contains immunologic agents, or the mother's antibodies to disease. These antibodies are transferred to the infant and act against bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Anti-inflammatory agents in breast milk also help to regulate the body's immune system response against infection. In addition, a breastfed baby's digestive tract contains large amounts of Lactobacillus bifidus, beneficial bacteria that prevent the growth of harmful organisms.

Wiping the baby’s gum ridges with a soft cloth or a baby’s toothbrush after each nursing and feeding is important. This removes sugars found in the milk that can cause tooth decay. Bottle-feeding should end by age one and you should never put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. Sucking on a bottle when lying down can severely destroy the baby’s teeth causing years of tooth pain and difficulty eating.

Pediatricians and pediatric dentists recommend that all babies have an oral examination by their first birthday. This is to screen for abnormal conditions and damaging feeding practices, and to educate caregivers on proper care of the teeth and mouth.

For More Information...

You can find out more about oral health by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center or the following organizations:

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Bethesda, MD 20892-2190
Phone Number: 301-496-4261
Web Site: http://www.nidr.nih.gov/

National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse
Bethesda, MD 20892-3500
Phone Number: (301) 402-7364
Web Site: http://www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov/

American Dental Association (ADA)
Office of Public Information and Education
Chicago, IL
Phone Number: 312-440-2585
Web Site:http://www.ada.org/

All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services; citation of the source is appreciated.

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Publication date: April 2001