June 2024 | Issue No. 40
Promoting Oral Health During Pregnancy
Welcome to Resources to Make You Smile! This monthly newsletter features information and tools Head Start staff can use to help families promote good oral health. These tips help Head Start staff support families, expectant families, and children. The newsletter also includes a recipe for a healthy snack that children can make in a Head Start classroom or at home with their families.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Pregnant women and pregnant people may not be aware that maintaining oral health is an important part of keeping healthy during pregnancy, and that receiving oral health care during pregnancy is safe.
Receiving oral health care and maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy reduces the risk that babies will experience oral health problems later in life. When expectant families keep their mouths healthy, it sets the family up for a lifetime of good oral and overall health.
Ingredients
1 slice of whole grain bread, toasted
Choice of spreads include
½ avocado, mashed
¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt
¼ cup hummus
¼ cup peanut butter
¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese
¼ cup low-fat cream cheese
Choice of favorite toppings include
¼ cup sliced strawberries
¼–½ cup blueberries
1 fried or sliced hardboiled egg
¼ cucumber, sliced
1 small banana, sliced
¼ cup diced tomatoes
Directions
- Place spread of choice on one side of toasted whole grain bread slice.
- Add topping of choice on top of the spread to form an open-faced sandwich.
Makes 1 serving.
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Send your questions or comments to the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety at [email protected] or (toll-free) 888-227-5125.