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"Pēpi Smiles: Dental Tips for Hapū Māmā"

Oranga Niho, Oranga Whānau

“He taonga te oro, he taonga te ora.”

Health is a treasure.

Dental health is a valuable part of overall well-being.

References:

Advice for pregnant women. Healthy Mouths Healthy Living. (n.d.). https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/resources-pregnancy.aspx

Bleeding gums in pregnancy. NHS. (n.d.). https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/bleeding-gums/

Community Services Card. Work and Income | Te Hiranga Tangata. (n.d.). https://workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/community-services-card.html?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=260

Consensus Statement: Oral Health Guidelines - New Zealand. The New Zealand College of Midwives. (n.d.). https://www.midwife.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Oral-Health-Guidelines.pdf

Dental Care. Te Kāika | Dental Care. (n.d.). https://www.tekaika.nz/services/dental-care

Dental Treatment. Work and Income | Te Hiranga Tangata. (n.d.). https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/health-and-disability/dental-treatment.html#:~:text=See%20more%20examples%20in%20the,immediate%20and%20essential%20dental%20treatment

GC Tooth Mousse Plus. GC Dental. (2006). https://www.gc.dental/sea/sites/sea.gc.dental/files/products/downloads/gctoothmousseplus/brochure/gc-tooth-mousse-plus-brochure.pdf

Ly, K. A., Milgrom, P., & Rothen, M. (2006). Xylitol, sweeteners, and dental caries. PubMed, 28(2), 154–158. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16708791

Nayak, P. A., Nayak, U. A., & Khandelwal, V. (2014). The effect of xylitol on dental caries and oral flora. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, 6, 89–94. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S55761

Official ADA Dental Health Recommendations. MouthHealthy. (n.d.). https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/oral-health-recommendations

Pregnancy. New Zealand Dental Association. (n.d.). https://www.nzda.org.nz/public/your-oral-health/pregnancy

Silva de Araujo Figueiredo, C., Gonçalves Carvalho Rosalem, C., Costa Cantanhede, A. L., Abreu Fonseca Thomaz, É. B., & Fontoura Nogueira da Cruz, M. C. (2017). Systemic alterations and their oral manifestations in pregnant women. The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research, 43(1), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.13150

Gondivkar, S., Gadbail, A., & Chole, R. (2010). Oral pregnancy tumor. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 1(3), 190. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-237x.72792

Oral Hygiene Advice

Brush 2x daily with NZDA-approved fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush
Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
Limit sugar intake for a healthy diet

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Supplementary Products for Wāhine Hapū

Alcohol-free mouthwashes
Xylitol chewing gum (no more than 5 pieces per day)
Tooth mousse, available only at dental clinics, reduces the risk of tooth decay and sensitivity from vomiting

Grants & Funding

While there's no specific funding for pregnant women’s dental treatment in New Zealand, options include:

Up to $1000 grant from Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) for low-income individuals
Financial help for emergency treatment through Manatū Hauora funding (EDC2) for Community Services Cardholders
Additional funding from Te Kāika Wellbeing Hub via the Ministry of Social Development

Dental Advice

What should you do when you vomit?

After vomiting, rinse with water or mouthwash instead of brushing your teeth for 30 minutes to prevent damage.

Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of water can help neutralize stomach acid.

�Anything to avoid?

If you're pregnant, avoid exposure to nitrous oxide as it can harm your baby.

Common Oral Health Conditions in Wāhine Hapū

Tooth Decay & Salivary Changes

During pregnancy, dietary changes, such as consuming snacks, sugary drinks, and citrus foods, can make your saliva more acidic, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Pregnancy Granuloma

A gum swelling at the front can develop in up to 5% of pregnancies. It usually disappears on its own, but visit a dentist to get it checked!