There are steps you can take during pregnancy that may help reduce your child’s risk for dental decay. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is important for babies to develop strong teeth. Active decay, poor oral hygiene, and an unhealthy diet can adversely affect developing baby teeth in the fetus. It is important for mothers to maintain a proper diet and excellent oral health during pregnancy to help ensure that their baby’s teeth develop normally.

Once your child is born, it is important to minimize the transmission of pathogenic bacteria from parent to child. Parents with poor oral health or active decay are advised not to share cups, toothbrushes, or pacifiers. These are all methods by which parents can transmit an active decay process from their mouth to their child’s oral cavity. Adults who use chlorohexidine rinses or chew gum with Xylitol can reduce bacteria levels which lowers the possibility of transmitting pathogenic bacteria to their children. If you are pregnant, or have a newborn child, please discuss this with your dentist.