There is, what I call a dental “urban legend” which I hear from 90% of my patients who are also mothers: “I never had cavities until I had my first child-now I have a cavity for each child born! ” I know from personal experience that pregnancy can bring about many new symptoms, most not enjoyable, few which are. Some symptoms I had, were an insatiable appetite, strange cravings and peculiar repulsion of things I normally enjoyed. Unfortunately, I did not get repulsed by chocolate, desserts or picnic foods like some lucky mothers do. I have found through my experience of two pregnancies, that most other moms experience the same. And so, the junk-food and snacking festivities often begin with the onset of pregnancy.

While typically, as a woman, we may also be concerned with excess weight gain during pregnancy, there is yet a bigger danger lurking beneath the moon-pies and chocolate chip ice cream. It is called CAVITIES! An increase in frequency of snacking, even with healthy items such as fruits and whole grain breads can cause cavities to crop up without any warning. Let’s face it, the last thing on our minds as a pregnant woman is our teeth. We are typically overwhelmed with other essentials such as, what color stroller and car-seat we want or how to use the crazy looking apparatus called a breast pump.

So, how do we combat these cavity-causing snacking frenzies? Well, as a mother, I am not about to tell you to stop snacking, as that would likely induce some tears followed by more snacking. What I will tell you is that if you increase your snacking, be sure to increase your tooth-brushing. Cavities are formed by bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth which feed on the snacks you provide for them. A bacterial layer is created on the surface of your teeth and can easily be removed with your tooth brush. No need to brush hard, as this can cause damage to your teeth. The best type of toothbrush to use is a “sonicare” or “Oral-B” electric toothbrush. They do a remarkable job. However, a soft nylon bristled tooth brush is fine as well. Make sure you use a fluoride containing toothpaste and brush at least three times a day. You can use over-the-counter mouthwashes if you like, just be careful not to ingest them.

Snacking is not the only worry when it comes to cavities. Many moms experience gastro-esophageal reflux during pregnancy, and it can often be severe. This constant exposure of stomach acids to the mouth causes the teeth to be more prone to cavities for many reasons. If you are suffering from heart burn, or gastro-esophageal reflux, then be sure you are rinsing your mouth or drinking plenty of water and limiting the amount of sugary snacking you do. You may want to talk to your obstetrician about medication and diet options if you feel it is severe.

The other reason keeping cavities away in mom is important, is that the bacteria that cause cavities can be passed along to your newborn. Yikes!