Lister House Dental Centre are celebrating the matriarch this Mother’s Day by showing our gratitude with a list of top dental tips for all stages of motherhood!
Expectant and New Mothers
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is vital, especially when you’re expecting or are a new mum. Hormonal changes can make your teeth more susceptible to plaque formation which can lead to gum inflammation and bleeding. Continuing a sensible dental hygiene routine will help to keep gum disease at bay so make sure to brush twice a day with a soft filament toothbrush, floss daily to remove debris from between the teeth, and try to avoid foods that are sugary or too acidic.
If you are experiencing morning sickness as an expectant mother, rinsing your mouth with plain water after each bout of sickness will make sure acidic residues won’t damage your teeth. Brushing your teeth an hour after will also prevent any further softening of the tooth enamel.
If you’re pregnant or are a new mum, your dentist and dental hygienist will be able to help you preserve your oral health, and if you weren’t aware, dental care is free for NHS patients during pregnancy and up to 1 year after your due date.
Mother’s with older children
It’s a fact that all mums are superhuman multitaskers and experts at fitting in a multitude of child-friendly activities and appointments into a single day. However, this can leave no time for mum to focus on her own oral health. There are, however, a few things you can do at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy in between your regular dental check-ups:
- A balanced diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables, and steers clear of refined sugars, is a great way to keep your teeth caries-free.
- Brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is one of the most effective ways at preventing tooth decay.
- Refrain from smoking and limit stain-causing beverages, such as coffee and wine, to help keep your teeth from discolouring and prevent more serious oral health issues.
Experienced Mums and Grandmothers
As we age, our oral health can be subject to deterioration with an increased risk in gum disease and bone loss. In particular, if you’re worried about missing teeth, we can recommend the best cosmetic treatments, from dental implants to dentures, to keep your smile youthful and healthy. For senior women, we would suggest maintaining regular check-ups with your dentist so that they can address any changes that might affect your dental health.