AAPD Releases New Perinatal and Infant Oral Health Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) announced new oral health guidelines for expectant mothers and infants following its 62nd Annual Session in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Some highlights that you and your little one may find helpful:

• Recent studies suggest that incorporating periodontal care during pregnancy may result in improved pregnancy outcomes. This finding suggests that taking care of your dental needs while you are pregnant can help prevent preterm and low birth-weight babies.

Proggie, http://www.flickr.com/photos/tym/191534942

• Mothers with poor oral health may be at greater risk of infecting their children with the bacteria that causes cavities, increasing their children’s caries risk at an early age. What this means for moms and moms-to-be: visit your dentist both while you are pregnant and after the baby is born to have a complete professional examination and cleaning.

The updated guidelines also address proper oral care for infants and toddlers, the age group most susceptible to early childhood caries (ECC), which is an infectious but preventable disease that causes tooth decay and potentially more serious health issues. When left untreated, ECC can affect speech and communication, eating and dietary nutrition, sleeping, learning, playing, and quality of life – even into adulthood. The guidelines outline how simple changes in a mother’s oral hygiene, diet, use of topical fluoride and sharing of eating utensils can significantly reduce a child’s risk for ECC.

Click here to link to the full release.