Information for Pregnant Moms

Good oral health is important for pregnant women and infants. The first smile your baby will see will be yours. Make it a great one by taking care of your teeth and gums and seeing a dentist.

Visiting The Dentist

Dental care options vary based on:

• Your age,
• Where you live, and
• How much money you make.

Use the low-cost dental services guide to find dental services in your region.

Call 2-1-1 for help finding local resources. 2-1-1 is a free help line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  A live operator will help you find local resources such as dental services. Information is available in more than 90 languages. For more information, visit 211Texas.org.               

Tips for Good Oral Health During Pregnancy

Taking good care of your teeth and gums during pregnancy is safe and smart. During your pregnancy, you may be at higher risk for dental problems that could harm you or your baby. These issues are preventable. Practice these habits for healthy teeth and gums:

• Start and finish your day by brushing your teeth. Be sure to floss at least once a day, too.
• Don't brush your teeth right after you vomit if you have morning sickness.
  • Instead, rinse your mouth with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a cup of water. 
• See a dentist.
  • Visiting the dentist while you are pregnant is safe.
  • This includes taking x-rays, most pain medications, and local anesthesia.
• Tell your dentist you're pregnant when you schedule your appointment.
  • Your dentist may ask for a referral from your prenatal provider.
    • This helps your dentist know about any special needs you may have during pregnancy.
• Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially between meals.

Download our fact sheet, Tips for Good Oral Health During Pregnancy, to learn more.

Tips for Good Oral Health During Infancy

Great smiles are made, not born! Taking care of your child's gums and baby teeth is important to their overall health. Even before their first tooth comes in, take these smart, simple steps to keep your baby's mouth healthy.

• Clean your baby's gums after each feeding by wiping them with a clean, wet washcloth.
• Don't share utensils or clean a pacifier in your mouth.
• Take your baby to the dentist either:
  • By age 1 or
  • When their first tooth appears in their mouth, whichever comes first. 
• Do not put your baby to bed with a bottle.
• Avoid giving your baby foods and drinks with sugar, including fruit juice. 
• Once your baby's teeth come in, brush twice a day with a smear (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste for children under age 3. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for ages 3 and older. 
• Look for white or brown spots on your child's teeth which may be cavities.

Download our fact sheet, Tips for Good Oral Health During Infancy, to learn more.

What to Expect at your Baby's First Dental Visit

We've created a video to teach you how to take care of your baby's teeth. The video also gives you information on what to expect at your baby's first dental visit. 

Watch the Baby Steps for Tiny Teeth video.