Poor oral health can have a significant impact on your quality of life. People in the United States are at high risk for oral health problems because of underlying medical or handicapping conditions.

     Pregnancy and Oral Health
     Oral Health for Mom

• Hormone levels will increase gums reaction to plaque, possibly causing swelling, redness, and bleeding gums.

• Controlling the plaque in your mouth by regular brushing and flossing can help reduce this reaction.

• As diet and snacking habits change, remember to brush and floss to limit acid attacks.

• Cavities are only more common in pregnancy due to increased acid attacks, calcium is not removed from the mother’s teeth, only from mom’s diet or bones.

• Do tell your dental team that you are pregnant. Continue seeking professional dental treatment. The best time is between the fourth and sixth month.

• Babies are not born with cavity causing bacteria in their mouth. Cavity causing bacteria can be transferred to your baby after he/she is born. By you having good oral hygiene, this can be decreased or avoided.

• Tooth buds appear between weeks 5-6 of pregnancy.

• Enamel begins to form during months 3-6 of pregnancy.

• At birth, the crowns of the baby teeth are fully formed and the chewing surfaces of the permanent six year molars are forming.

• Check with your physician or dentist about fluoride intake. Fluoride passes through the placenta and is stored in the placenta.

• Always check with your physician before taking any medications when pregnant. Some medications, such as tetracycline, can stain and harm the baby’s teeth.

• Your baby needs certain nutrients to properly form teeth.

• A balanced diet should provide proper amounts of all the nutrients.

• Remember to use fortified dairy products to provide your body and baby with Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphorus.

• Eat plenty of dark green, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables for Vitamin A and C.

• Protein can be found in meat, eggs, fish and fowl.

• Always gently wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding. Use a damp washcloth or gauze to remove formula or breast milk for the mouth.

• When teeth erupt, use a tooth brush- NO TOOTH PASTE UNTIL YOUR BABY CAN SPIT IT OUT! Continue to clean gums and teeth after each feeding.

• There is a normal range of time for each tooth to erupt.

• The lower front teeth appear around 6-10 months of age followed by the upper front teeth between 8-10 months.

• Teething is a natural process. Help soothe your baby with massage or cool teething rings, spoons, or a frozen washcloth.

• Never tie a teething ring or pacifier around a baby’s neck, it could strangle your baby. Try attaching it to clothing with a ‘catch-it’ clip.

• Fevers should not be associated with teething. Your baby loses the natural protection of mom’s antibodies around 6 months of age and is more likely to contract illnesses. If you continue breastfeeding, the protection is continued.

• Baby teeth are very important. They will help your baby chew, develop proper speech patterns, smile, and will provide a track for permanent teeth.

• The pain and expense caused by BBTD is completely preventable. Remember you baby is completely dependent on you for oral health care.

• Never put your baby to bed with a bottle- unless it is only water.

• Limit daytime ‘grazing’ of sweet liquids including formula or breast milk.

• Never dip a pacifier in sweet substances such as honey or syrup.

• Instead of a bottle, relax your baby by giving him/her a soft blanket or a stuffed animal, rock him/her to sleep, rub baby’s back, sing a song or use a musical mobile.

• Always remember to clean baby’s teeth and gums to remove plaque, especially before your baby goes to sleep. This is when the most damage is done.

• Try positioning your baby in your lap. When cleaning the mouth, always lift the lip and check the teeth for early signs of decay, such as white or brown spots.

• Fluoride helps strengthen the teeth. When your baby is 6 months old, ask your physician or dentist about fluoride drops if your water is not fluoridated.

• Offer a sippy cup when baby is able to sit up alone- still offer only water between feedings. Wean from the bottle around the first birthday.

• First dental visit should be between when the first tooth appears and baby’s first birthday. An easy check-up and parent education will be offered.

• Remember, children do not develop the coordination needed to brush alone until age 8. An adult should brush for the child to ensure plaque removal.

• Brushing should be done at least each morning and night, additional times should be added following snacks.

• Use only a smear or pea-sized drop of ADA approved fluoridated toothpaste.

• Flossing should only be done once a day by an adult, once two teeth are touching. Remember, brushing only does half the job! Preschool aged children are prone to cavities in between back teeth.

• In addition to brushing and flossing there are other things you can do to help ensure your child never suffers from a cavity.

• Provide a diet low in sugar rich foods. Limit snacks through the day.

• Remember that acid attacks last 20 minutes after the food has been eaten.

• Pay attention to the consistency of snacks and how long they stay in the mouth.

• If your water is not fluoridated, ask your dental team about supplements.

• Have your child visit the dental team for regular cleanings and exams at least once a year, including x-rays when recommended by the dentist or hygienist. Make this fun and a positive experience for your child.

• Always use an appropriate child safety seat or restraint to prevent oral trauma.

• Supervise your child carefully, especially around monkey bars and swings.

• Help your child stop thumb or finger sucking by age 2-3 to prevent damage in the structure of the bones and positioning of the teeth. Gradually wean your child from thumb/finger sucking. Use rewards and encouragement.

• Share oral health information with the caregivers of your child.

• Set a good example by making your own oral health important.

Give yourself a high five!!!

Eeryday, just remember five or more servings of fruit and vegetables,
along with 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity.

Why should I eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day?

Because! Fruits and vegetables don’t just taste amazing, they also contribute to better health because they are low in fat and calories, and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.

• Have your family write the shopping list and prepare meals together so they can choose their favorite fruits and vegetables.

Try these ideas to incorporate more servings of fruit and vegetables into meals.

• Try a variety of juices, like tropical blends, or make your own by blending orange-pineapple, orange-grape-lemon, and other combinations. Just be sure that they are 100% juice!

• Stuff a pita pocket or roll a flour tortilla with vegetables, low-fat cheese, and mustard or low-fat vinaigrette.

• Freeze canned fruit, then whiz it in the blender for a fruit slushie.

• Add peas, broccoli or another vegetable to low-fat macaroni and cheese. MMMMMM….

Hey, what qualifies as a serving anyways???

National Cancer Institute’s 5 A Day Program

Defines one serving as….

• ¾ cup, or 6 oz., 100% fruit juice

• One medium fruit

• ½ cup cut-up fruit

• ¼ cup dried fruit

• ½ cup raw or cooked vegetables

• 1 cup raw, leafy vegetables

• ½ cup dried, cooked or canned peas or beans

Aside from eating healthy, you also need to get out there and exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes.

Physical activity makes you feel great, and just a half an hour a day can make a big difference in your health.

I know that it is recommended that I get at least 30 minutes a day of exercise, but I just don’t have the time for that.

It is understandable that you feel that way… However, exercise can be easy, by working a total of 30 minutes into your daily routine- all at once, or throughout the day, it all counts. Here are a few suggestions:

• Take 3 ten-minute walks throughout the day.

• Get off the bus a stop or two early and walk home.

• Join your kids. Take a bike ride, play catch or clean the yard together.

• Cleaning is exercise. Put on some music to liven it up.

Check out these links for more information on nutrition information.

www.mypyramid.gov
www.csrees.usda.gov/index.html
www.fcs.uga.edu/extension/ext_efnep.php#top

For a healthy, delicious, vegetable dish, try out these two recipes!

Zucchini Parmesan
4 c. thinly sliced zucchini
1 Tbsp. margarine
1 Tbsp. water
Freshly ground pepper
½ c. onion, chopped
3 Tbsp. parmesan cheese, grated

Put all ingredients, except cheese, into skillet. Cover and cook 1 minute. Uncover and continue to cook, turning with wide spatula, until just tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and toss.
Yield: 6 servings

Nutritional Information

Serving Size…….. ½ cup
Cholesterol……… 2mg
Carbohydrates……….3.8g
Total Fat………... 2.6g
Fiber……………... <1g
Protein……………… 2.3g
Saturated Fat……. <1g
Calories…………... 47.5
Sodium……………...50mg

Above figures based on individual serving.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable and ½ fat

Baked Squash with Apples and Chestnuts
5 lb. butternut squash
¼ cup of sherry cut into halves, seeds
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and membrane removed and chopped
6 cups of water, divided
¼ tsp. salt
10 chestnuts, cut with an X on flat side

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place squash halves in a 9x13 inch baking pan and pour 3 to 4 cups of water into pan. Bake, uncovered, until soft, about 30 minutes. Place chestnuts in small saucepan and add remaining 2 cups of water. Cover and boil on high heat for 15 minutes. Drain water and set aside to cool. Peel chestnuts and chop coarsely. Set aside. Scoop out flesh of squash and puree in food processor. Place 6 cups of pureed squash in a large bowl. Set oven to 325ºF. Stir sherry, apples, and salt into puree and pour into 2 quart casserole. Sprinkle with chestnuts. Bake 60 minutes or until heated through.
Yield: 12 Servings

Nutrition Information

Serving Size……..1/2 cup
Cholesterol……… 0mg
Carbohydrates……….. 20g
Total Fat………...<1g
Fiber……………. 1.6g
Protein……………….1.8g
Saturated Fat…….0g
Calories…………. 81
Sodium………………46mg

Above figures based on individual serving.
Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch

Please view our brochure - Click Here

Delaware County Public Health offers free nurse visits for pregnant women, newborn babies, and their families.

All pregnant women, and parents or grandparents of babies are eligible for free home visits made by professional caring nurses that will assess and monitor your family’s health status.

A nurse can provide assistance in a variety of ways:

• Women have fewer pregnancy and post-partum problems.

• Studies show that families who have nursing care have fewer serious illnesses, behavior, and discipline problems.

• Families have higher immunization rates.

• Their children do better in school.

• Families learn about available community resources.

What will the nurse help me with?

• The nurse will provide initial assessment and ongoing monitoring of you and your babies health.

• Health education on prenatal care

• Parenting skills training

• Nutrition counseling

• Breast feeding teaching and support

• Tobacco and alcohol cessation

• Address labor and delivery concerns

• Infant growth and development teaching

• Answer immunization questions and provide recommended schedule

• Assure access to appropriate, high quality health care services

• Medical Insurance coverage

• Referral to other community resources

• Offer support and address any questions or concerns you may have

Individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and to receive care that meets their needs. Family Planning provides individuals with the information and education to make personal choices about their reproductive and family needs. This service promotes health and knowledge to improve the quality of life for women, their partners and their children.

This service includes the following:

• Preconception care and counseling – health of the mother, nutritional needs

• Environmental issues: finances, mental health, family support, childcare, occupational considerations (return to work, does job offer maternity leave), health insurance

• Adolescent risk reduction care

• Infertility education and resources

• Adoption resources

• Pregnancy testing and options

• Reproductive health

• STD's

• Birth control and contraceptive information and needs - factors to consider when choosing a method

• Pregnancy planning – when and if pregnancy should occur, considerations for spacing births out

Delaware County Public Health offers home visits to families to provide them with planning resources to assist in their personal decisions.

More information is available by contacting Vera Buel:
vera.buel@co.delaware.ny.us
Phone (607) 832-5200
Fax (607) 746-3243