Bright Futures in Practice: Oral Health Pocket Guide National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
 
PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM

Anticipatory Guidance (continued)

photo of Mother and ChildInjury Prevention

  • Wearing a safety belt while riding or driving in a vehicle. If you are driving, insisting that your passengers also wear safety belts.
  • Wearing protective gear (e.g., mouth guard, face protector, helmet) when participating in physical activities or sports that could potentially result in injuries to the mouth, such as biking or playing baseball or soccer.
  • Avoiding oral piercings, which can damage teeth and gums.

Substance Use

  • Not smoking cigarettes or using spit tobacco

Outcomes

  • Pregnant women and new mothers (or other intimate caregivers) are under the care of an oral health professional.
  • Pregnant women and new mothers (or other intimate caregivers) are informed of preventive dentistry and oral development issues.
  • Pregnant women and new mothers (or other intimate caregivers) understand and practice good oral hygiene and eating behaviors.
  • Pregnant women and new mothers (or other intimate caregivers) have no oral disease or injury.