Oral Health Problems in New Moms

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Uncategorized

We get it. When you’re a new mother, your top concern is your baby. Sometimes, however, this means neglecting the most important person…you! Here are some surprising ways your oral health can suffer during those crucial first few months of your baby’s life, and what to do if you encounter them.  

Dry Mouth

 Saliva is one of the most important (yet overlooked) components of a healthy mouth. If you’re a new mother, you may be so busy that you’re forgetting to stay hydrated. This is majorly important especially if you’re breastfeeding, because that’s even more hydration you’re losing and giving to baby. Keep a water bottle by you at all times, and drink even when you aren’t thirsty to keep your smile healthy.  

Bruxism

 As wonderful as it is, the stress of having a new baby in the house can sometimes get to new moms. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common result of stress, and can wreak havoc on your smile. If you’re waking up in the morning feeling pain or tightness in your jaw, talk to your dentist about mouth guards to wear while you sleep.

Poor Habits

 When you’re a busy mom, the easiest things to forget are often the most basic. Your normal brushing and flossing routines seem inconsequential, but missing them can cause serious oral health issues including gum disease, cavities, and in serious cases, oral cancers.

Make sure you’re taking time to take care of yourself as well as baby, and contact your dentist with any oral health problems you find yourself facing. We’re here to help!

Different Types of Dental X-Rays

During a dental appointment, it’s not uncommon for your dentist to want to take a closer look at what’s going on inside your mouth using an X-ray. They’re useful tools for dental professionals, but for the rest of us, they can sometimes be a little intimidating. Here’s a quick guide on some of the most […]

Could 3D Printing Be the Future of Root Canals?

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures in the United States. Annually, approximately 15 million are conducted. If you do the math, that’s around 41,000 a day! Despite their status as a mainstay in dentistry, as well as the best way to save a tooth, root canals can occasionally have adverse effects […]

The Rise of Oral Vaccines

Throughout history (and especially as of late), vaccines have been a hot topic. While vaccination is an efficient way to prevent infectious diseases, the rise of oral vaccines proves this method to be an even more efficient and cost-effective way to prevent infectious diseases. Until now, oral vaccinations have focused on preventing diseases that enter […]

Don’t Underestimate Smokeless Tobacco

It’s common knowledge that smoking affects your oral health, but let’s not forget about smoking’s destructive counterpart: smokeless chewing tobacco (also known as “snuff”). For those of you who are unfamiliar with this, snuff is a fine grain tobacco that a user places in their mouth between their lips and gums. As saliva generates, the […]

Too Much Bottled Water Might Harm Kids’ Teeth

With more and more Americans using less and less tap water, a lack of fluoride could be a real concern. How many water bottles do you and your family buy in a year? How much is too much? Ensuring that children get fluoride from a young age is very important. Most brands of bottled water […]