Keep Smiling While You are Pregnant (video)

UWS: Women must be aware of the importance of good dental health during pregnancy. Research has shown that more emphasis needs to be placed on oral health during the prenatal period, with many pregnant women not receiving information on the importance of oral health care during pregnancy. Dr Ajesh George said research showed that hormonal changes, morning sickness and food cravings in pregnant women made them particularly susceptible to poor oral health. "Poor oral health in pregnant women can increase the risk of early dental decay in infants and may contribute to lower birth weight and even premature births," Dr George said. "Women who have untreated dental decay can nearly double the chance that their children will have early dental decay after birth. "Women tend to avoid dental care during pregnancy because they aren't aware that it's absolutely safe to have dental treatment done while you are pregnant. In fact it is much better to have any infections removed as soon as possible, rather than waiting until after their baby is born."