Breastfeeding and Dental Health: 3 Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay No Nursing Mother Should Ignore

One of the first steps towards a healthier and wholesome growth of a baby is breastfeeding. Babies are just as prone to dental problems as adults even as they develop milk teeth that fall off, and aren’t as important as permanent teeth. Breast milk can lead to dental problems like caries, and dental health needs to be a priority even before teeth start to develop. Some points to keep in mind while breastfeeding to prevent tooth decay of your child are as follows-

Clean the gums of your child after breastfeeding: There has been a lot of research on this topic, especially on the topic of dental caries and how it is a common problem in infants, the main reason behind this is continued exposure to milk, or juice, or any sugary liquid, these are also known a baby bottle tooth decay. If you use the bottle for extended periods, they can cause caries and cause problems with the growth of permanent teeth, although feeding a child with the bottle is convenient, but reduces the risk of caries. Holding a bottle in the mouth for a long time can worsen the teeth. Therefore, wipe the gums of your child with a clean, dampened piece of gauze.

Take mindful medications: Medications that you take enter the bloodstream and eventually your breast milk, therefore firstly the concentration of medication should be low for most medications, making it safer for your baby, when the concentration is increased it is harmful. Schedule a visit to a kids’ dentist if your kid is at high risk. Your pediatric dentist will perform a basic exam and explain proper techniques.

Taking care of your own oral health: It is natural for a new mother to be jam-packed with a new baby, and most mothers tend to neglect their health for their child and their oral hygiene and sometimes don’t brush at a stretch. Therefore, it can increase the risk of caries and gum diseases, mothers can even transmit mouth bacteria to the baby. Mothers should make sure to keep their children and their oral hygiene in check and floss and stay cavity-free.

Footnote
Taking care of your own health is also one of the best ways to take care of your newborn. Whatever you consume or whatever your hygiene is, you will automatically pass it to your little one. Do consult a doctor, if necessary.