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May 10, 2012 at 07:58 PM
Mothers are often the chief medical officers and and chief dental officers in their households.
Too often, however, women who are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or have just had babies neglect their own oral health.
When you have a chance to talk to new mothers and mothers-to-be about their individual or group dental coverage, it might be helpful to tell them about the ways their oral health may affect the health of their babies.
Oral Health During Pregnancy
Taking care of teeth is always important – but even more so during pregnancy, when hormone changes can promote the growth of bacteria that can lead to gum disease. There is increasing evidence that moms with high levels of oral disease can pass decay-causing bacteria on to their newborns.
It used to be thought that dental care during pregnancy should be avoided or postponed at least until the second half of he pregnancy. We now know that it is important for women to keep up with their dental care not only during pregnancy but after delivery as well. Mothers should seek dental plans that offer preventive prenatal dental care at no extra charge. It’s a best practice for dental insurers to offer these additional services to pregnant women without applying them to the dental deductible or annual maximum.
