It all starts when a woman finds she is pregnant. Apart from the extra attention that should be paid to nutrition and the diligent visits to your doctor for pre-natal check-ups, it is essential to make sure your mouth is healthy. In this article, we discussed about the importance of oral hygiene in daily life.
How your oral hygiene affects your baby
The most common oral disease is periodontal disease, more commonly called “gum disease”. It often starts off with redness and puffiness of the gums, and bleeding of the gums on brushing. This group of signs shows the presence of gingivitis.
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The primary cause of gingivitis, and the more advanced periodontal disease is dental plaque – a coating of living, breeding bacteria on your teeth. So both these diseases are infections. Any kind of infection during pregnancy, could affect the health of your baby. The health of your gums can affect the health of your baby.
Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and pre-term, low-birth-weight babies. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small.
Scientists are still attempting to understand the link between periodontal disease and premature births. The current thinking is that severe, uncontrolled periodontal disease increases the level of chemicals in the blood called prostaglandins. High levels of prostaglandins may stimulate labor thus causing premature births. A premature baby is far more likely to be a sick baby.
Oral health during pregnancy
Pregnancy can make some women more prone to periodontal disease and cavities. Changing hormone levels can affect the body’s response to plaque, making it more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.
Morning Sickness and Dental Health
Morning sickness is another challenge that can affect oral health. Frequent vomiting can expose teeth to stomach acid, which can erode the enamel and increase the risk of decay. Rinsing your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash after vomiting can help mitigate the damage.
Cravings and Diet Changes
Pregnancy cravings can lead to increased consumption of sugary foods, which can contribute to tooth decay. It’s essential to balance these cravings with healthy food choices and maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine to protect your teeth.
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Importance of oral hygiene in daily life
A recent five-year study done by the Centre for Oral and Systemic Diseases at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill has concluded that gum disease is as big a threat to pregnancy as alcohol and smoking.
It’s not just the mother, other family members matter too!
New DNA coding techniques have allowed medical researchers to trace the path of infection from one person to another. Periodontal disease was found to be transmitted by saliva contact between family members.
Studies from Brazil to Japan have shown that the bacterial flora (number and kind of bacteria) in a child’s mouth is very similar to the bacterial flora of their care-givers. In a 2004 Japanese study published in the Journal of Oral Science, it was found that if a child harbored periodontal bacteria in his mouth, at least one of his parents had exactly the same kind of bacteria.
Transmission of bacteria, and thereby disease, can occur through saliva contact in many ways e.g.
- Kissing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Sharing food
- Sharing a cup, glass, straw, spoon and other utensils
- Blowing on hot food to cool it
All this could give periodontal disease to children.
As a mom, you want the best for your family’s health, and that includes their oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial not just for healthy smiles but for overall well-being. Here’s why it’s so important for you and your loved ones:
Good oral hygiene prevents tooth decay and gum disease
By ensuring that everyone in your family practices regular brushing and flossing, you can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can build up on teeth if not properly cleaned, leading to cavities and gum disease. Encouraging good oral hygiene habits helps keep everyone’s teeth and gums healthy, saving your family from the pain and expense of dental treatments.
Supports overall health
Good oral hygiene impacts more than just your mouth. Poor oral health has been linked to serious health issues, including:
- Heart Disease: Bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Diabetes: There is a two-way relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, and high blood sugar can make gum disease worse.
- Respiratory Infections: Inhaling bacteria from infected teeth and gums can lead to respiratory infections such as pneumonia.
- Pregnancy Complications: For expectant moms, maintaining oral health is crucial. Poor oral health during pregnancy is linked to premature births and low-birth-weight babies.
Good oral hygiene helps maintain fresh breath
No one likes bad breath, and good oral hygiene helps keep everyone’s breath fresh. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can significantly reduce bad breath by removing food particles and bacteria from the mouth.
Preserving teeth and gums
Good oral hygiene practices help preserve your family’s teeth and gums throughout their lives. Neglecting oral health can lead to tooth loss and gum disease, affecting the ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. Regular dental care helps ensure that everyone retains their natural teeth and maintains healthy gums.
Boosting self-esteem and confidence
A healthy, bright smile can do wonders for self-esteem and confidence, especially for your kids. When their teeth are clean and free from decay, they’re more likely to smile and interact positively with others. This can enhance both their personal and social lives.
Good oral hygiene is cost savings
Preventive dental care is more cost-effective than treating dental problems after they arise. Regular check-ups and cleanings can catch issues early, reducing the need for more expensive treatments like fillings, root canals, and extractions. Investing in your family’s oral health now can save money in the long run.
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Is periodontal disease serious?
It is well-recognized that periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Treatment of advanced periodontal disease and its consequences e.g. replacement of lost teeth, can be both complex and expensive.
The good news is that periodontal disease and also tooth decay are easy to prevent. Here is what you need to do:
- Make sure that you practice good oral hygiene – learn the correct techniques of brushing and flossing and do it everyday. Over my 25 years of dental practice, I have observed that the parents who have good attitudes to dental care and are conscientious about hygiene almost invariably have kids with good dental health.
- Every care-giver – this includes grandparents and maids – should have regular dental check-ups to make sure their teeth are thoroughly cleaned through scaling and polishing. Any diseased teeth must be treated. This greatly reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Be alert to personal hygiene habits like sharing of towels and tooth brushing.
- Learn the appropriate techniques for cleaning your child’s teeth from as soon as the first baby teeth grow.
- And of course, take your child – and yourself – for regular check-ups at the dentist. Don’t wait for pain. Ask the dentist whether you are cleaning your teeth well and find out the best way to clean your children’s teeth too. As parents, your attitudes to good health are bound to rub off on your child.
Good oral hygiene practices
- Brushing: Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, reaching all surfaces of your teeth.
- Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and under the gum line.
- Mouthwash: Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath.
- Healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit sugary snacks and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.
- Regular dental visits: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings, ideally every six months, to maintain oral health and catch any issues early.
As parents, your attitudes to good health are bound to rub off on your child. Prioritizing oral hygiene sets a positive example and establishes lifelong healthy habits for your entire family.
Article written by:
Dr. Asha Karan
Smile Makers Dental Clinic
— the clinic for all members of the Family.
For more information, check out Smilemakers.com.sg or call: 639 727 39
Additional information written by Jobelle Macayan
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