By taking care of your dental and oral health while pregnant, you are giving your child a great start in life.
| |  Eat well
- Eat a nutritious diet every day including fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats.
- Eat calcium-enriched foods such as dairy or soy alternatives.
- Try not to eat too many sweet foods.
 Drink well
- Drink lots of tap water, especially if fluoridated.
- Drink non-sweetened dairy milk or calcium-fortified alternatives. Calcium is important for your baby's bones and teeth.
- Try not to drink too many sugary drinks.
 Clean Well
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Gum disease and pregnancy
Many women can develop gum disease during pregnancy because of natural hormonal changes in the body. If gum disease becomes severe, the infection can affect an unborn baby’s development. Severe gum disease in an expectant mother can increase the risk of premature birth and of delivering a low birth weight baby. There may be possible long-term health risks for a child born prematurely or of low birth weight.
Signs of gum disease include:
- bleeding gums
- red gums (instead of pink)
- swollen gums
- bad breath
If you suspect you may have gum disease, talk to a dentist or other oral health professional. Gum disease can be treated, although the type of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection.
Smoking
Smoking while pregnant is not good for you and your unborn baby. If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke per day.
More information
Pregnant women who have a current concession card do not have to go on a waiting list to see a public dentist. You will be given the next available appointment.
To make an appointment, please find and contact your community dental clinic or call 1300 360 054. Be sure to tell the receptionist you are pregnant.