Dental Health Tips

Caring for your child's teeth starts with their first tooth. Blue Cross Shield of Michigan is here to help you figure out what care to give in the different stages of your child's dental development to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Smiling Stork: pregnancy and dental health

There is a connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy pregnancy. Getting proper dental care while you’re pregnant can improve your health and the health of your child. While you take care of your children in every other way, let the Michigan Healthy Kids Dental program help you with their oral health.

Pregnancy can bring changes to your mouth. These changes can cause gums to become irritated, red and swollen. This irritation is an infection known as gum disease. If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Signs of gum disease include:

  • A bad taste in mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
  • Loose teeth
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

Avoid dental problems by taking good care of your mouth during pregnancy.  Every mother wants to decrease her risk of having an unhealthy baby. Follow the steps below to help have a healthy mouth and baby.

You can practice good care by:

  • Brushing twice per day and floss once per day
  • Using toothpaste with fluoride
  • Using a non-alcoholic mouthwash
  • Replacing your toothbrush every three months or after you have been sick
  • After vomiting, protecting your teeth from acid by rinsing your mouth with one cup of water mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda
  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco

What you eat and drink plays a big part in your dental health. Follow a healthy diet by eating:

  • Lean meats like turkey, chicken and fish
  • Whole-grain breads and cereals
  • Milk, cheese, eggs and yogurt
  • Fruits and vegetables, including beans

Also, make sure to drink plenty of water every day and to avoid sugary food and beverages.

If you have an infant at home, keep in mind that the germs that cause cavities are contagious. Mothers can pass germs from their mouths to their newborn child, so avoid kissing your baby on the mouth or tasting their food. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals and snacks to lower the amount of cavity-causing germs in your mouth.

Good health starts at birth

Even before your baby's teeth show, you should clean its gums with a damp cloth after meals and at bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush without paste once teeth show. Learn more by reading Good Health Starts at Birth (PDF).

Need help?

Call our customer service representatives with your questions about Healthy Kids Dental plans and pediatric dental care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
1-800-936-0935 (TTY: 711)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Smiling Stork: pregnancy and dental health

There is a connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy pregnancy. Getting proper dental care while you’re pregnant can improve your health and the health of your child. While you take care of your children in every other way, let the Michigan Healthy Kids Dental program help you with their oral health.

Pregnancy can bring changes to your mouth. These changes can cause gums to become irritated, red and swollen. This irritation is an infection known as gum disease. If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Signs of gum disease include:

  • A bad taste in mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
  • Loose teeth
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

Avoid dental problems by taking good care of your mouth during pregnancy.  Every mother wants to decrease her risk of having an unhealthy baby. Follow the steps below to help have a healthy mouth and baby.

You can practice good care by:

  • Brushing twice per day and floss once per day
  • Using toothpaste with fluoride
  • Using a non-alcoholic mouthwash
  • Replacing your toothbrush every three months or after you have been sick
  • After vomiting, protecting your teeth from acid by rinsing your mouth with one cup of water mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda
  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco

What you eat and drink plays a big part in your dental health. Follow a healthy diet by eating:

  • Lean meats like turkey, chicken and fish
  • Whole-grain breads and cereals
  • Milk, cheese, eggs and yogurt
  • Fruits and vegetables, including beans

Also, make sure to drink plenty of water every day and to avoid sugary food and beverages.

If you have an infant at home, keep in mind that the germs that cause cavities are contagious. Mothers can pass germs from their mouths to their newborn child, so avoid kissing your baby on the mouth or tasting their food. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals and snacks to lower the amount of cavity-causing germs in your mouth.

Good health starts at birth

Even before your baby's teeth show, you should clean its gums with a damp cloth after meals and at bedtime. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush without paste once teeth show. Learn more by reading Good Health Starts at Birth (PDF).

Need help?

Call our customer service representatives with your questions about Healthy Kids Dental plans and pediatric dental care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
1-800-936-0935 (TTY: 711)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Not enrolled yet?

Enrolling is easy. For more information and to see if your child qualifies, call Michigan ENROLLS. Read more about pediatric dental care at Healthy Kids Dental.

Michigan ENROLLS
1-800-975-7630
8 a.m.-7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

Newsletters

Looking for a brighter smile? Get the latest dental tips and resources when you read our newsletter.

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2023 Spring/Summer Newsletter

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2022 Spring/Summer Newsletter

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