Getting Your New Baby Off To A Healthy Start

A healthy baby begins with a healthy mother. One of our goals at Newberg Family Dental is to provide care for both the pregnant mothers and immediate family members who will soon be welcoming a new baby into the world!

Family Dental Care Matters

About 15 years ago, a group of Oregon dentists conducted a groundbreaking study about babies and dental health in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Researchers found that by focusing on providing good dental health and resources to pregnant mothers-to-be, their babies were more healthy as well. Further research into prenatal dental care by local researchers has since confirmed their findings.

Babies and Dental Care

Dental cavities and gum disease are both caused by bacteria. If the mother, father, siblings or caregivers of a baby do not practice a regular routine of good daily dental hygiene, harmful bacteria can be easily passed on to the newborn baby. These bacteria become established in the baby’s mouth and the scene is set for long-term dental problems before the baby even develops teeth.

During the first six months of a baby’s life, there is no natural resistance. If bad bacteria are introduced, the resistance to these bacteria never forms. The baby grows up with limited resistance to these bacteria for the rest of his or her life.

Dental Care for Mom and Baby

It’s with these facts in mind that Dr. Jennifer McLeod and the team at Newberg Family Dental work hard to bring pregnant mothers and family members into the office. Providing each member of an unborn baby’s family with good foundational dental care only improves the dental health of both mother and baby.

To prepare for the baby’s arrival, Newberg Family Dental provides treatment for cavities and gum disease, as well as coaching for the new mother on good preventive care for the new baby. We have found this has dramatically reduced the level of dental problems in the children as they grow up, preserving a healthy, bright smile to last a lifetime!