What Nursing Moms Should Know About Dental Health
As a Cincinnati family dentist, Dr. Tara understands the unique needs of every member of your family. As families grow with new additions, mothers have questions about their baby’s dental needs.
One of the first questions many mothers consider is whether or not to breastfeed. Nursing moms lower their chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and it can help your baby fight infections and reduce health risks such as ear infections, asthma and obesity.
There are also dental aspects of nursing to consider, such as:
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of baby bottle tooth decay. When babies are put to bed with bottles containing formula, milk or fruit juice, their risk of tooth decay increases. Nursing can help reduce prolonged exposure to these sugary drinks.
- Nursing babies can still get cavities. Can breastfeeding cause cavities? Yes, it can. Just like formula, breast milk contains sugar. That is why it’s important to start your baby’s dental hygiene regimen right away. A few days following birth, wipe your infant’s gums with a clean, moist washcloth or gauze every day.
- Breastfeeding could improve your baby’s bite. A 2015 Pediatrics study found that babies who breastfeed exclusively for six months are 72 percent less likely to have crooked teeth. Of course, there are still other factors that can affect your child’s orthodontic future, such as thumb-sucking, pacifier use and genetics.
- Double check your medications before getting dental work done. It’s not only safe to visit with your dentist while you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s important to do so. If you need any dental work done, check with your dentist to make sure it’s safe for baby.
- Take care of yourself. Breastfeeding or not, it’s easy for mothers to focus on their children and lose sight of their own needs. Remember to brush and floss twice a day and schedule regular dental cleanings and exams.
If you live in the Mason, Dayton or Cincinnati areas and would like to learn how our family dentist can help you, contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry today by calling (513) 234-5531 or completing the form on this page to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients from Southeast Indiana and Northern Kentucky.