As parents we are told what to avoid, what to use, and what to ask the doctor about from the minute pregnancy is discovered. Though we often read about the dangers of using things such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, as well as certain medications during fetal development; how it effects the teeth can be just as detrimental. Some of these effects can include teeth growing in misshapen, discolored, weak, or deformed to name a few.
The reason being, early on a child begins forming key features in the womb such as the mouth, palate, and jaw, as well as the teeth. Typically around eight weeks, the baby teeth are developing and around twenty weeks, the permanent teeth are beginning to grow. Though we may not see it when our children our born, the process has already begun and is still continuing well after birth. Therefore, what we intake while pregnant or what medications we give our children early on, can drastically effect the process which can lead to the possibility of having issues in the future depending. For example, some children who have had a lot of medications after birth end up developing discolored permanent teeth or even weak teeth as a side effect of the medications administered.
Now, this is not to say avoid all medications for your children, because our children’s health is top priority, but starting your dental visits at a young age can help reduce the uncertainty and future problems that may occur. Being open and honest with not only your doctor but your dentist as well when you are pregnant can also minimize the effects during development. After birth, Pediatric dentists usually recommend bringing your child to the dentist as early as one. This will help prevent dental issues in the future and they will be able to monitor your child’s teeth development a little bit closer.
In the end, the more we understand the better our children will be. By starting our dental health early, we can help prevent issues for our children in the future and in turn they can have a healthy smile they can be proud of. After all, being a parent is probably the most stressful job anyone can have, but with a little guidance, we can ensure our children’s health and happiness for years to come.