Mothering Sunday, a time to celebrate a key person in your life. Although 2020 was a bit different from previous years, it still should have come with the same love and appreciation, even if it is expressed over video call rather than in person. Here at Love-Teeth Dental Practice we believe there are two key stages of motherhood and teeth.
Firstly – Look after your own
Some pregnant women experience tooth pain. Increased hormonal activity can cause your body to respond differently to plaque, this can put you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Having good oral habits prior to your pregnancy will help reduce this risk, so make sure you brush twice, floss, and check in with your dentist regularly.
Morning sickness can also affect your oral health. Vomiting coats your teeth with acid, and the action of brushing your teeth after can damage the enamel. So make sure to not brush straight after vomiting. Instead, rinse your mouth with water, and then fluoridated mouthwash
Once you have fallen pregnant, it is worth mentioning your status to your dentist as some dental treatments require x-rays.
Secondly – Your baby
When your baby’s teeth start coming through it can be an exciting period. It’s also important to start getting them used to the daily routine of brushing teeth. There are baby toothbrushes, make sure to use a tiny smear of toothpaste. Brush the teeth in small circles, covering the surface, then encourage the child to spit the paste out.
As your child grows more independent, make sure to watch them to ensure they are doing it properly. For more tips on teaching your children to brush their teeth, take a look at our blog.
Keeping track of your baby’s diet is also vital for oral health. Putting sugary drinks in bottles increases tooth decay, so keeping them drinking milk and water is important for protecting the baby teeth. Also it is recommended that dummies are not used for children over 12 months, as this can affect tooth development and placement.
