Keeping Your Mouth Healthy When Pregnant
Maintaining your oral health while you’re pregnant is important for both you and your baby. Pregnant women have an increased risk of oral health issues such as gum disease and cavities, and these conditions can negatively affect your baby. Gum disease in pregnant women is linked to low birth weight and preterm births and can result in increased risk of dental cavities that the baby may have when their teeth erupt.

Brush Twice, Floss Once and Rinse after Morning Sickness
Hormonal changes and symptoms such as morning sickness increase the acidity level in the mouth of pregnant women, which can erode the tooth enamel. That’s why it’s important to brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss once a day. If you have morning sickness, you should also rinse your mouth with baking soda and water. Visit our website for instructions on how to make a baking soda mouth rinse.

Seeing the Dentist While Pregnant
Seeing the dentist while pregnant is recommended and safe. It’s also safe for you to get dental treatments like x-rays and local anesthetics while you’re pregnant. Just make sure your dentist is aware of your pregnancy. Over 60% of pregnant women have gum disease (gingivitis), and 25% of women of reproductive age have dental cavities (caries). By addressing any oral health problems, you will not only help to protect your mouth but you'll have the power to protect your baby from harmful germs and bacteria.

If your last visit was more than six months ago, schedule an appointment as soon as you can.
Could that Sore in Your Mouth be Cancer?
Head and neck cancers account for nearly 4% of all cancers in the United States (1). Symptoms can include sores in the mouth that won’t go away, lumps in the mouth, bleeding gums, swelling in the jaw or trouble chewing and swallowing when eating. 

A healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of getting this type of cancer. People who smoke, drink alcohol, have unprotected sex or who eat a lot of salty snacks are most at risk. 

Cancer found in the mouth or throat are often curable if found early enough. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly as it’s an effective way to discover these types of cancers early. Your dentist can look for any signs of cancer in your mouth during a checkup.

In the meantime, be sure to brush and floss daily and eat healthy to limit your risk. If you spot any unusual changes in your mouth or are experiencing pain or any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait until your next dental checkup. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

April is National Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Help us spread the word.
Need to find a dentist, make an appointment,
or learn more about your benefits? 
Visit www.ctdhp.org or call us at
855-CT-DENTAL (855-283-3682)

Translation and transportation services available. Hearing impaired clients,
please dial 711 for Relay Connecticut assistance.

We Care About Your Dental Health
The Connecticut Dental Health Partnership's mission is to enable all HUSKY Health members to achieve and maintain good oral health. We work to ensure all members have equitable access to oral health services.