This week, with Mother's day fast approaching, the American Dental Association (ADA) is working overtime to remind mamas-to-be how important...
This week, with Mother's day fast approaching, the American Dental Association (ADA) is working overtime to remind mamas-to-be how important oral health is. 
Current research notes that maternal gum disease may be linked to pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight. As a mama here's what you can do...
Current research notes that maternal gum disease may be linked to pre-term birth, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight. As a mama here's what you can do...
- Plan for a dental check-up before you become pregnant.
- If pregnant, keep your dental appointments, just be sure to tell your dentist that you're expecting.
- Eat well-balanced meals.
- Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day.
- Try to buy dental products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- If you're having sweet cravings, brush more often. The ADA notes that, "Pregnancy often causes food cravings, and constant snacking on sugary food and beverages can lead to a buildup of dental plaque... In addition, the rising hormone levels that accompany pregnancy can irritate gums already battling plaque buildup."
