Healthy Teeth for Mom: Helpful Tips for Better Oral Health This Mother’s Day

Motherhood can be one of the greatest joys of a woman’s life. It can also lead to many changes throughout the body, some of which occur inside the mouth. Since oral and overall health are intertwined in various ways, it’s important to find ways to make dental care easier and more effective. This Mother’s Day, consider these helpful tips that are designed to minimize potential smile problems in the future.

Brush and Floss to Prevent Gum Disease

Whether you are an expecting mom or someone with grown children, the risk of gum disease remains. During pregnancy, the hormonal changes that occur can lead to gum swelling and bleeding. The same problem can occur because of an increasingly dry mouth during menopause. No matter what stage of life, a bacterial attack on the gums is possible.

This is why practicing good oral hygiene at home is crucial to living with a healthy smile. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, as well as flossing and rinsing before bed are some of the most effective steps you can take to improve oral and overall health.

Not only will it reduce the risk of gum disease and decay, but it will also help to keep your natural teeth firmly in place for a longer-lasting, beautiful smile.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

When children come into the picture, you may find that you no longer get the same amount of sleep you once did. Without it, you can begin to experience bone loss, which can be problematic for your smile and body. Combine it with gum disease and other oral health problems, and you may be facing extensive restorative care in the future.

However, by paying attention to your diet and making sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs, you can reduce the risk of bone loss. Calcium and magnesium are both essential minerals. Not only does calcium help to strengthen existing bone and teeth, but magnesium is designed to help calcium do its work throughout the body and encourage better sleep.

By making sure to eat the right foods (i.e., dairy products) and take the necessary time to relax and recharge (i.e., a long, warm bath and/or nap), you will notice a difference in the health of your body and smile.

Maintain Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Stress can often be a heightened component of everyday life. Work responsibilities, your child’s school and extracurricular activities, and normal, daily occurrences can build, taking a toll on your physical and mental health.

If you allow stress to take over, it can negatively affect your teeth and gums, resulting in teeth grinding, bone and tooth loss, and even cardiovascular and cognitive decline. Seeing your dentist every six months for regular checkups and teeth cleanings is vital. These allow professionals to examine the state of your smile and make recommendations for treatment that will safeguard you from more complex problems in the future.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate you and all the other mothers in your life. Make sure to take proper care of yourself (and your smile) so that you can be the best for anyone who calls you “mom.”

About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey DeMartino is a dentist in Phillipsburg who graduated from Fairleigh S. Dickinson School of Dental Medicine with his DMD in 1988. Joining his father and future wife in practice at DeMartino Dental Group, he and Dr. Nélida Garcia-DeMartino strive to help patients of all ages maintain healthier teeth and gums. If you are a mom or grandmother who needs to put your smile back on track with proper dental care, visit our website or call (908) 859-5260.