Did you know that kissing can actually reduce the risk for preterm birth and low birth weight babies? Ok, so it’s a stretch, but there is actually some correlation between the two.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, kissing increases saliva production. Saliva is the most natural way to cleanse the mouth. During pregnancy, increased blood flow and hormonal changes cause an increase in acid production that leads to an increase in plaque build-up and tooth decay. These hormonal changes can cause minor dental conditions to develop into serious dental issues such as gingivitis, periodontitis, loose teeth and loss of teeth. Serious dental issues are directly related to premature birth and low birth rate babies. Therefore, the increased saliva from kissing washes away the increased acid production caused by pregnancy hormones. So in other words… kissing your partner during your pregnancy can actually help to ensure a healthier baby for you.
There are other important ways to improve the health of your mouth and your baby during pregnancy that aren’t nearly as fun as kissing…
1. Most importantly is going to the dentist for regular check ups at least every 6 months-having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis and evaluation of any underlying dental concerns are key to good oral hygiene. Dental x-rays are also safe during pregnancy. The very small amount of radiation you and your baby are exposed to is far less significant than undetected or untreated dental disease.
2. Using fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to reduce tooth decay.
3. Sometimes the act of brushing your teeth during pregnancy can actually induce vomiting. Some advice to maintain good oral hygiene if brushing is a trigger for vomiting is to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to reduce the acid in the mouth that leads to tooth decay and consider brushing your teeth later in the morning when some of the nausea passes.
Another important fact to consider is that what you eat makes a big difference in your baby’s health and teeth. Your baby’s teeth actually start to develop during the 3rd-6th month of pregnancy. Ensuring you are getting enough nutrients, specifically calcium, protein, and vitamins A,C and D improve the quality of your baby’s tooth development. Eating more fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and dairy and drinking plenty of water, while consuming less sweets and sweetened beverages will also help reduce tooth decay for you and stronger teeth for your baby.
ShareMAR