1. Providing Optimal Care
Stategies for providing optimal care:
Patient Screening When screening patients follow these steps:
Evaluate oral health risk history.
Perform an oral exam.
Document findings in prenatal record and share with dentist.
Proactively inform dentists of the safety of dental treatment during pregnancy.
Patient Anticipatory Guidance Encourage patients to maintain the following good oral hygiene habits and healthy dietary practices:
Brush teeth with soft toothbrush twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
Floss daily.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks to meal times only.
Chew xylitol gum 4 to 5 times per day after eating (xylitol must be listed as first ingredient to be effective).
Establish a dental home for the family.
Inform patients how to manage oral complications of vomiting:
Rinse with water and baking soda after vomiting.
Do not brush immediately after vomiting to decrease potential erosion.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Planning your pregnancy and birth. (3rd ed.). Washington, DC, 2000.
Brambilla, E., Felloni, A., Gagliani, M., Malerba, A., García-Godoy, F., Strohmenger, L. Caries prevention during pregnancy: Results of a 30-month study. Journal of the American Dental Association 1998;129:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on Perinatal Oral Health Care. Revised (6):