According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), dental caries (cavities) remain the most common chronic disease among children in the United States, affecting over 50% of children by age five. Poor oral health in children can lead to pain, infections, and difficulty eating and speaking, all of which negatively affect learning and school attendance. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that children with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain, contributing to over 51 million lost school hours annually. Yet, by establishing a handful of routine dental practices, a parent can ensure oral health never impedes upon their, or their child’s, daily endeavors, goals, or successes.
1: The Link Between Dental and Body Health
Just as a fever triggers changes in different body systems causing irritated skin, behavioral changes, and losses in appetite, dental issues can have serious implications on various aspects of pediatric and maternal health:
Heart Disease: Bacteria from infected gums can travel through the bloodstream and reach the heart. This can lead to inflammation in the heart valves (endocarditis) or contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Research shows that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Respiratory Issues: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. This is especially dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or lung conditions.
Diabetes Complications: Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, as inflammation makes the body less responsive to insulin. Uncontrolled diabetes, in turn, worsens gum disease, creating a vicious cycle.
Osteoporosis: Chronic inflammation caused by gum disease might contribute to bone density loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Alzheimer’s Disease: While the link is still being studied, there are indications that bacteria from gum infections could play a role in the development or progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with periodontal (gum) disease may be at a higher risk for premature birth and low birth weight babies. There are also associations between poor oral health and preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
Although dental problems will not always result in these systemic issues, it is important to recognize that instating a simple dental hygiene routine into one’s daily practice can significantly reduce their chances of developing other medical conditions.
2: The Importance of Prevention During Pregnancy
The difficulties pregnancy poses on the body are familiar to many, but those affecting the teeth and gums specifically – as well as the resulting effects on maternal and pediatric health – are less known. Compromises to maternal oral health begin as early as the first trimester of pregnancy, which is often riddled with morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting. Frequent vomiting can cause enamel breakdown due to the acidity of stomach content, greatly increasing tooth sensitivity. This can lead to difficulty eating or brushing teeth, potentially also exposing tooth roots and causing tooth loss if enamel breakdown is particularly severe.
Other than enamel decay, pregnant individuals commonly develop gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, as well. Pregnancy-associated gingivitis affects roughly 30-100% of pregnant individuals but is often fleeting. However, if untreated, reversible gum disease can not only evolve into permanent tooth and gum damage, but also negatively affect the well-being of fetuses during pregnancy. In fact, maternal periodontal disease increases the odds of low birthweight by 10%, birth complications by 15%, and spontaneous miscarriage by 34%.
Fortunately, enamel breakdown, gingivitis, and other dental issues experienced during pregnancy can be addressed through the implementation of a simple and consistent dental hygiene routine.
3: Dr. Lerman’s Recommendations for Building Proper Habits
The ideal, at-home dental routine recommended for pregnant individuals is designed similarly to standard recommendations:
- Brush your teeth twice a day (after waking and before sleeping) or anytime after eating (as necessary).
- Floss once a day after eating. Slide the floss up to the gums and down each tooth. Also, curve the floss along the sides of each tooth in a C-shape motion.
- Use mouthwash with antibacterial or anti-plaque properties.
However, professionals recommend some additional steps to prevent dental issues that may arise during pregnancy. For instance:
After vomiting:
- Wait at least one hour before brushing so as to not spread acid across your teeth.
- Before brushing, rinse your mouth with water and baking soda solution.
- Be mindful of your eating habits, which includes decreasing your consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks.
For irritated gums:
- Brush with a soft and gentle toothbrush.
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to soothe the gums.
- Avoid smoking as well as chewing tobacco.
4: All about Firstgrin
The intention behind establishing consistent dental habits during pregnancy is the continuation of one’s dental routine post-birth. After all, a healthy and happy parent is likely to integrate healthy practices into the care of their child, as well as encourage the maintenance of these practices once the child is able to care for themselves. To aid in the transition from parental- to self-reliance regarding dental care are companies like Dr. Ashley Lerman’s Firstgrin. Firstgrin is at the forefront of advancing preventive care for pediatric and maternal oral health. Driven by a deep understanding of how oral health affects multiple generations, Firstgrin strives to empower families and reduce disparities in healthcare access.
At the heart of Firstgrin’s mission is the integration of expertise into solutions for access to care and preventative dental conditions. Collaborating with both dental and medical insurance providers, Firstgrin advocates for extensive preventive service coverage. This collaboration employs telehealth to overcome financial obstacles and improve accessibility, particularly for underserved populations. In addition to improving access to dental care, Firstgrin utilizes cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices to enhance oral health education and preventive care. With personalized oral care kits and an engaging mobile app loaded with educational content, a digital trauma guide, resources to find local dentists, track habits, and set reminders, Firstgrin provides parents with the resources needed to instill lasting oral health habits in their children.
As Firstgrin continues to pioneer improvements in pediatric and maternal oral health, its influence reaches beyond clinical environments. By equipping families with crucial knowledge, resources, and consistent support, Firstgrin paves the way for healthier communities and future generations. Through strong partnerships and a dedication to innovation and excellence, Firstgrin is making oral health care accessible to everyone.
Discover more and take part in the change at [www.firstgrin.com] and follow along on social media @firstgrin. Download the Firstgrin Oral Care Companion App today and consider purchasing the specially designed oral care kit for new and expecting parents.
5: Conclusion
Maintaining good oral health has numerous implications for both maternal and pediatric health. With ties to ailments ranging from prenatal issues to heart disease, establishing early and consistent dental upkeep can help families prevent the development of conditions linked to dental problems and claim greater autonomy over their health. However, establishing proper familial habits must begin with parents or guardians, because (1) children are at the expense of their parents’/guardians’ care and (2) children often adopt the habits that are modeled for them. In fact, children of mothers with consistently untreated cavities or tooth loss are three times more likely to have cavities throughout their childhood. So, by building healthy habits today or shifting to more positive daily habits over time, one can almost ensure long-lasting, familial generations of healthy, beautiful smiles.
