Why Prenatal Dental Care Matters for Your Baby’s Future Health
The AAP and APPD recommend a first dental visit by the age of one, but we believe a dental home should be established in utero. The doctor’s of SOCO believe age one is too late and we urge moms to establish a dental home while pregnant.
Since practicing, our doctors have seen a rise in hypoplastic molars, which are mineral-deficient teeth. Most moms are unaware that the calcification of the visible portion of teeth occurs 14-19 weeks in utero. If a mother is mineral or vitamin deficient, this can impact the calcification of their baby’s teeth and even the growth of their facial structure.
In addition, studies suggest that a mother’s oral health during pregnancy is directly correlated to the child’s future development. This can occur through the transmission of bacteria, fungus, and their microbiome. For example, if an expecting mother chews xylitol during pregnancy, this can actually help protect against cavities in their children’s future teeth.
We need to change the narrative that pregnant women should avoid the dentist, and that is going to start with Soco prenatal visits.
At this appointment, we will test the mom microbiome, talk about prenatals, discuss xylitol, educate on weaning from the pacifier to an infant myomunchee, talk about mouth breathing and nasal hygiene, what to look for if you are experiencing issues with latch during breastfeeding, and the benefits of baby lead weaning.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first “regular” dental visit should be no later than their first birthday.
