Dental caries, or cavities is the single most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. It develops when a child’s mouth is infected by acid producing bacteria that is passed from parent to child through saliva. (Source: Healthychildren.org, How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Baby).
Healthier Kids Foundation prioritizes oral health as an essential health right. During pregnancy, a person’s body goes through many changes, including changes with their oral health that may cause problems like pregnancy gingivitis. Research shows that untreated tooth decay and poor oral hygiene among pregnant persons increases the risk of poor oral health among their children. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, pregnant persons should have an oral evaluation, be counseled on proper oral hygiene, and be referred for preventive and therapeutic oral health care.
PregnantFirst assist expecting parents in accessing dental services through individualized care coordination. If you’re interested in receiving dental coordination please email PregnantFirst@hkidsf.org, or call 1 877-384-3845.
