American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Releases New Perinatal and Infant Oral Health...

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Releases New Perinatal and Infant Oral
Health Guidelines

Expectant Mothers Should Consider Visiting a Dentist During Pregnancy; Infants
Should Undergo Oral Health Assessment by Their First Birthday

CHICAGO, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
(AAPD), the recognized leader in pediatric oral health, announced new oral
health guidelines for expectant mothers and infants following its 62nd Annual
Session in Honolulu, Hawaii. The guidelines call for all pregnant women to
receive counseling and oral healthcare during pregnancy, and also that infants
receive an oral health risk assessment and oral care by their first birthday.
These steps will contribute to optimal oral health for both mom and baby.

"There is evidence associating periodontal disease and increased risk of
preterm birth and low-birth weight," said AAPD's Immediate Past-President Dr.
Beverly Largent. A recently published study found significant differences
between women treated for periodontal disease and those who were not treated.
The findings suggest that incorporating periodontal care may result in
improved pregnancy outcomes.

"Because premature births have become the number one obstetric problem in the
United States, we felt the need to provide more guidance about necessary oral
care for expectant moms, in addition to promoting oral health as a key part of
pregnant women's overall health," said Dr. Largent.

The guidelines are based on studies that suggest that proper dental care
during the perinatal period may help prevent preterm and low-birth weight
babies and is an important aspect of overall health for pregnant women -
allowing them to enter delivery in optimal health. Many women, however, are
unaware of the implications poor oral health can have on themselves and their
babies and often don't seek oral care during pregnancy.

Additionally, mothers with poor oral health may be at greater risk of
infecting their children with the bacteria that causes cavities, increasing
their children's caries risk at an early age. Because cavities in infants are
preventable, determining which mothers are at the highest risk improves
opportunities for preventive intervention.

"Every expectant mother should receive a comprehensive oral health evaluation
and risk assessment," said Dr. Largent. "Dental treatment is safe throughout
pregnancy, and this is a time when expectant mothers need to be screened for
oral risks, counseled on proper oral hygiene and receive necessary dental
treatment."

The updated guidelines also address proper oral care for infants and toddlers,
the age group most susceptible to early childhood caries (ECC), which is an
infectious but preventable disease that causes tooth decay and potentially
more serious health issues. When left untreated, ECC can affect speech and
communication, eating and dietary nutrition, sleeping, learning, playing, and
quality of life - even into adulthood. The guidelines outline how simple
changes in a mother's oral hygiene, diet, use of topical fluoride and sharing
of eating utensils can significantly reduce a child's risk for ECC.

Additionally, because physicians, nurses and other health care professionals
see expectant or new mothers and their infants on a regular basis, the AAPD
guidelines also encourage health care professionals to talk to their patients
about proper oral care. In addition, the AAPD recommends that curriculum at
medical, nursing and allied health professional programs include education in
perinatal and infant oral health.

For more information on perinatal and infant oral health or to view the
updated guidelines, visit www.aapd.org.

Overview of the new AAPD Oral Health Guidelines for expectant mothers and
infants
-- Oral health education: Early intervention and counseling during the
perinatal period from all health care providers including physicians,
dentists and nurses.
-- Oral Hygiene: Tooth brushing and flossing on a daily basis are
important
for the parent to reduce bacterial plaque, which research has linked
to
preterm, low-birth weight babies.
-- Diet: Dietary education for the parents, including the potential
effect
of foods and beverages on their oral health, helps maintain good
dental
care.
-- Fluoride: Using a fluoridated toothpaste approved by the American
Dental
Association and rinsing every night with an alcohol-free,
over-the-counter mouth rinse containing 0.05% sodium fluoride have
been
suggested to help reduce plaque levels.
-- Caries removal: Routine professional dental care for the parents can
help keep their oral health in optimal condition.
-- Delay of colonization: Education of the parents, especially mothers,
on
sharing utensils, food and cups can help prevent the transmission of
cavity-causing bacteria.

-- Xylitol gum: Recent evidence suggests the use of xylitol chewing gum
(four pieces per day by the mother) can decrease a child's caries
rate.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not-for-profit membership organization
representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. AAPD's 7,700 members are
predominately pediatric dentists and primary care providers who deliver
comprehensive specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and
individuals with special health care needs. As advocates for children's oral
health, the AAPD aims to promote the use of evidence-based policies and
guidelines, foster research concerning pediatric oral health, and educate
health care providers and the public to improve children's oral health. For
further information, please visit the AAPD website at www.aapd.org.

Contact: Marianthi Bumbaris
mbumbaris@aapd.org
(312) 331-2169 ext. 27

SOURCE American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Marianthi Bumbaris, +1-312-331-2169, ext. 27, mbumbaris@aapd.org, for American
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry