A child’s dental health begins at the time of conception, says an expert who recommends mothers-to-be visit the dentist before, during and after pregnancy.
“The mother’s dental health affects her overall health and her baby’s health. Statistically, mothers with poor oral health are at risk for premature and underweight births,” William Wathen, an associate professor at Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, said in a university news release.
“Mothers-to-be need to realize controlling plaque and limiting high-starch and sugary foods is crucial,” Wathen added. “Cavities are ‘contagious,’ because germs in the mother’s mouth and family’s mouth will be in a baby’s mouth. Since babies aren’t born with their own oral flora, they adapt it soon after they’re born from their family.”
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