Pregnancy is one of the most exciting stages in a woman's life. As youre taking time to prepare a nursery or participate in prenatal classes, dont forget to pay special attention to your body and the numerous changes it is undergoing.

Oral health is an essential aspect of general health and should be a part of every womans prenatal healthcare, including daily self-care and periodic professional screenings. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can cause teeth and gums to react more strongly to the bacteria in plaque, resulting in swelling, redness or bleeding.*

The March of Dimes has designated November as National Prematurity Awareness Month to draw attention to the growing public health crisis of premature birth. ARM & HAMMER Oral Care has partnered with the March of Dimes to help educate women about proper preconception and prenatal oral care.

Prematurity is the leading cause of newborn death in this country, and babies who survive may suffer lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, learning disabilities and blindness.**

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 12.3 percent of all babies, or 499,008 infants, were born prematurely in 2003. This is an increase of more than 30 percent since 1981.

ARM & HAMMER Toothpastes can make a healthy difference for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant by delivering baking soda to neutralize acids and effectively clean teeth and gums.*

Baking soda is a low-abrasive cleaning agent that deep cleans and dissolves stains better than regular toothpastes, resulting in healthier teeth and gums. ARM & HAMMER Toothpastes provide up to five times more Dental Baking Soda than regular toothpaste.*

Brian Daub, D.D.S, recommends pregnant women:

• Keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy

• Follow a good, consistent oral hygiene regimen that includes daily brushing with a baking soda toothpaste and flossing

• Schedule periodic dental appointments to be screened for swollen gums

• Report any mouth pain or discomfort to their doctor right away

If you experience vomiting from morning sickness, rinse your mouth with 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water, then brush with ARM & HAMMER toothpaste. The baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity in your mouth.

*Data on file
**March of Dimes

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