Reasons Why New Moms Should Never Neglect Their Own Oral Health
Gone are the days you can plan for yourself. Now that you are a mom, your world at present, revolves around keeping your baby safe and healthy. There would be times that you would be extremely tired and neglect your own needs including your dental hygiene.
You may not realize it but maintaining a good oral health is actually significant to your baby’s health.
Your baby’s immune system isn’t up for germs yet
Coming from a sterile environment, your baby is not used to bacteria yet. Since a newborn’s immune system is still immature, it is best to keep bacteria and germs to a minimum. And it starts with your good hygiene practice. Without proper care, you may involuntarily transfer harmful bacteria to your baby without even realizing it. Your mouth, if left untended, may cause problems for your baby. Note that bacterial transmission can be as simple as giving your newborn a peck on the lips.
Your routine depends on the baby now
You’re awake when the baby is up. And you do chores or take naps when the baby is sleeping. Your routine now is dependent on your baby. Your set routines prior to having your new born have changed.
With your baby, you may be finding your hands full, hence, neglecting to do some pretty usual habit like brushing after meals. Simple things like this will affect your oral health in the long run, which is bad. So, as hard as it can be, try to squeeze a bit of time for your dental care needs.
You’re still hormonal
Although pregnancy is through, your body is still experiencing hormonal changes. And this can go on for months if you are breastfeeding so your gums may still be susceptible to inflammation, soreness or bleeding. That’s why it’s crucial that you give more attention to your teeth and gums now. Be diligent to cleaning your mouth to prevent dental issues in the future.
You’re a new role model
Being a new mom meant being a role model for your child. You are one of the persons the baby will grow up with. Hence, it’s most likely that he or she will mirror whatever things you do, so you better set examples. Demonstrate good practice by doing it yourself, not by just saying it. Show your baby how you tend to your own teeth and let him or her learn from that and, later on, develop good dental habits.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Women experience many changes during pregnancy which affect nearly every aspect of their life. Every woman knows that it is important to make careful health considerations for their self and their growing children at this exciting time, but medical care and oral treatment can be a bit unclear under certain circumstances. Today we are going to provide some information about pregnancy and oral health.
Pregnancy and Oral Health Issues
The hormonal changes that accompany pregnancy can cause several changes to your oral health such as:
- Varying Salivation – pregnant women may experience an abnormally dry mouth or more salivation than there was before becoming pregnant. Excessive saliva isn’t anything to worry about, but a dry mouth can lead to negative oral health. Sugar-free lozenges or chewing sugar-free gum will help increase salivation to regulate the bacteria in your mouth.
- Tooth Decay – the vomiting that accompanies pregnancy is a common cause of tooth enamel damage. Rinsing your mouth with water will help dilute the acidity that is left in your mouth. Make a point of waiting at least 10 minutes after you vomit to brush your teeth.
- Gingivitis – hormonal changes can cause the enzymes in saliva to work differently, making it become less effective in regulating oral bacteria.
Considerations:
- Have a thorough dental examination and receive any treatments that you need before you intend to become pregnant.
- Always perform proper oral hygiene during pregnancy by brushing and flossing between your teeth twice each day, and using an alcohol-free mouthwash to regulate bad bacteria.
Hormonal Changes and its Effect on Oral Health
The Academy of General Dentistry states that hormonal changes in women can affect their dental health to a considerable degree. During a lifetime a woman passes though different stages. Each stage has its unique hormonal responses, thereby leading to different oral and dental problems.
For women, they are required to take a little extra care during these stages or the hormonal changes.
What to Watch Out for During the Different Hormonal Changes
Puberty: this is a developmental stage and it is known that the sex hormone levels increase during puberty. This causes the budding women to have soar gums and increased sensitivity, and even gum problems for a while.
Menstruation gingivitis: During the beginning of the menstrual cycle, women experience sensitive gums, redness or bleeding dentures. Though it might be temporary, yet it is a reason of hormonal changes.
During menopause: This is the time where a woman’s body goes through many changes. Naturally a woman faces symptoms like hot flashes, dryness, and others. It also affects the teeth, and causes problems like dry mouth, burning sensations, vulnerability to taste, falling teeth, tooth decay, as well as other issues that set in. It is very essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Problems like menopausal gingivitis also sets in and therefore makes the gums look red or a dirty pink. Often desquamative gingivitis sets in where the layers of the gums shed and leave the gum tissue raw and the nerves exposed, therefore making the entire zone extra sensitive.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body releases an increased level of progesterone. The body also reacts differently and often due to reflux, acid juices attack the teeth and cause them to erode. The gums get affected as well and the condition is often known pregnancy gingivitis. The teeth may need more cleaning than once in 6 months.
Remember that good oral care is vital and should never be overlooked, more so now that you are pregnant. See a dentist in Scottsdale if you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy.
