Oral Health and New Moms
When you welcome a new baby into your life, everything changes. Your routine is disrupted, sleep is limited, and things are pretty chaotic. During this time, you need to take care of yourself as well as your little one. An area that often gets overlooked is oral health care. As a new mom, remember these key points about why you need to make dental health a priority:
To keep your baby safe
While you were pregnant, your baby grew and developed in a utopian environment. Once your newborn arrived, he or she was exposed to millions of germs. Because their immune systems aren’t fully developed, new babies are more susceptible to infection. The bacteria in your mouth can be easily transmitted to your newborn, so keep up your oral care habits.
To ensure a healthy smile
Before your baby arrived, you probably had a regular daily schedule that included brushing and flossing. Getting up all night with round-the-clock feedings can throw off your routine and contribute to late-night snacks, which can increase the risks of tooth decay and gum disease.
To protect against dental problems
During pregnancy, many women experience swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums, a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Once you give birth, it can take some time for your hormones to level off and return to normal. In the mean time, keep up with dental care to decreases your odds of gum disease.
To serve as a role model
As a mom, you have a little one who will watch your every move. Demonstrating good home care habits will encourage your child to adopt those same behaviors.