Posts Tagged ‘pediatric dentist’

Grow a beautiful smile!

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Second in our new parent-to-be blog series; what does it take to grow a beautiful smile? As expectant parents, we worry about everything. From nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, to baby names and stroller brands, it can be overwhelming to give your baby what you think is best. But what many moms-to-be don’t realize is that their oral health can have an enormous impact on the health of a developing child—and his or her adorable smile!

Be sure to give your diet a boost. Poor nutrition can cause defects in tooth development, and healthy salivary flow and composition. Deficiencies in protein and calories, Vitamins A, C, D and iodine, excesses in fluoride and Vitamin D, have all been shown to affect the development of babies’ teeth. So be sure your diet includes a healthy serving of proteins, as well as local and organic fruits and vegetables.

Part of your diet should include dark green, leafy greens. Calcium is needed for healthy bones and teeth formation. The calcium your baby needs is provided by your diet, not by your teeth, and calcium is heavily present in those greens. If there is insufficient dietary calcium however, your body will provide this mineral from calcium stored in your bones.

What about mom’s fluoride intake? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) does not support the use of fluoride supplements for pregnant women. When fluoride levels in community water supplies are suboptimal (below 0.7 – 1.20 part per million) and after consideration of other sources of dietary fluoride, the AAPD endorses the supplementation of a child’s diet with fluoride—after pregnancy.

Of course, establishing regular visits and a dental home are integral parts of continuing to help your baby grow his or her beautiful smile!

Dear Doctor- Dentistry & Oral Health offers tips on how to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

Tags: baby teeth, Cavity Prevention, pediatric dentist, Preventing cavities for my child, prevention of cavities, primary teeth

Posted in General, New Parents, Pregnancy, Prevention, baby teeth, kids teeth, my kids teeth, primary teeth