If nursing mothers don't routinely brush, floss, and drink a lot of water, they also have a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Find out more.
We are aware that you have a lot on your mind if you are a new mother. It can be challenging to tend to your needs while you're busy caring for a newborn. Although maintaining good oral health is always vital, did you know that you require more calcium for strong teeth during pregnancy and nursing?
Due to their nursing babies' increased calcium needs, mothers might also lose up to 5% of their bone mass. This may result in gingivitis or periodontal disease, gum infections that can harm the gums and reduce bone density around the jaw. There could be long-term effects on both you and your unborn child if you do not maintain adequate dental hygiene both during and after your pregnancy. By taking a few extra steps, you can ensure that your oral health is the least of your worries during this important time in your life.
Why should you care about calcium?
Maintaining good dental health for pregnant women or nursing is crucial to preventing bone loss around the teeth. In particular, nursing moms should consume enough calcium in their diets as a deficiency in this mineral is a primary cause of many oral problems. Some dentists even recommend early weaning if the mother is experiencing significant dental issues.
However, nursing should be encouraged and promoted rather than recommending early weaning due to its numerous advantages. It has been discovered that dental decay is more widespread in children whose moms either don't take enough calcium or drink too much sugar, which causes cavities and ultimately leads to tooth decay.
Nursing mothers' dental health advice
1. Keep going to the dentist
It's crucial to keep going to the dentist both during pregnancy and when you're nursing. To stop tooth decay and gum disease, you must get regular professional cleanings and check-ups at the dentist. Try not to neglect cleaning if it is needed throughout your pregnancy or soon after giving delivery. If you let your dentist know you are expecting or nursing, they will do their best to meet your needs.
Additionally, after giving birth and while you are pregnant, you should request an assessment of your periodontal health from your dentist. This way, they can detect any problems with your gums, and you can collaborate to reduce your risks. You can also start talking about gum-health improvement plans.
2. Obtain prompt care
Next, you should talk about treatment options if you find out that you have gum disease or suspect that you could have it. To prevent any pregnancy or dental problems from getting worse, you should work swiftly to cure gum disease. The ligaments, gums, and bones that surround your teeth can become infected pockets, which resemble huge infected sores in the oral cavity, as a result of the germs from gingivitis and periodontitis. These crevices can also provide germs access to your bloodstream, allowing them to spread all over your body, including to the uterus and placenta.
The best strategy to cure gingivitis or gum disease is to visit your dentist. The majority of dentists advise waiting until your second trimester because this is when you will feel the most comfortable as a mother, and it will be the safest for the growth of your baby. To assist remove plaque and build-up that is causing the condition, your dentist will perform a deep cleaning when you make an appointment for treatment. If the condition of your gums deteriorates, your dentist or physician might recommend antibiotics to help fight the infection.
3. Develop a home dental care routine
There are things you may do at home to help avoid gum disease. The easiest method to achieve this is to maintain a successful dental care regimen while you are pregnant.
· Two daily brushings, one daily flossing, and the use of an antibacterial mouthwash constitute good dental care.
· Make sure to schedule self-care activities and adopt a schedule-compatible routine.
· Avoiding sugar-rich foods is an additional crucial step in maintaining oral health at this wonderful time. Even though you might have cravings when you're pregnant or thereafter, consuming sugary foods can cause tooth decay and gum disease, so enjoy your treats in moderation and always brush your teeth afterward.
· While pregnant or nursing, you can assist avoid dental problems by attempting to keep a well-balanced diet and adding extra vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds to your diet. It's crucial that you remain as healthy as possible during this time, even if you're probably busy attending doctor's appointments and making preparations for your new child at home.
Dental care is one area that is occasionally neglected during nursing. You should take precautions to ensure that your mouth is as healthy as possible for you and your baby because premature births are more likely in mothers who have poor oral health.
One of the greatest methods to help avoid gum disease and premature birth is to practice good dental hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and seek treatment. Accept the incredible changes occurring to your body since this is a great and special period in your life. As you prepare to receive your new child, it is crucial to put both your health and that of your unborn child first because you are growing as a human.
4. Consume healthful foods
Diet is undoubtedly one of the most crucial factors to consider during nursing because it not only affects you and your baby but may also significantly impact your dental health. In order to provide your infant with enough nutrients when breastfeeding, you will need to consume more calories than you require. Additionally, nursing burns a lot of calories, so you'll need to eat enough to provide yourself with enough energy for the day.
It's crucial to avoid consuming empty calories, such as those found in soda and sugary snacks. You'll be more likely to develop tooth decay if you consume these sweets. While it's acceptable to sometimes indulge in soda or a sweet snack, try not to make it a habit. Instead, fill up on extra calories from snacks like crackers, cheese, apples, peanut butter, and other nutrient-dense meals. While nursing, you'll want to ensure your body gets enough protein and vitamins.
Conclusion
Make a commitment to brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing on a regular basis. This is advantageous for both you and your baby, as well as for your smile. After all, if you share a spoon or some smooches with your child, you don't want to give your child hazardous microorganisms unintentionally. To avoid dehydration, it's critical to drink adequate water.
Watch for alterations in your mouth. You might be unknowingly grinding your teeth if you experience severe dental pain or a sore jaw. To protect your smile from the effects of bruxism, you might need to take some measures to lower your stress levels and ask your dentist for a nightguard. Please take measures to look after your oral health while you are nursing your precious child because you want your infant to grow up seeing lots of healthy, pleasant smiles from Mom.
