Let’s face it, being a new mom is hard! You are so tired, and so overwhelmed with all the daily care of providing for a newborn’s needs, that it is tempting to forget to take care of your own needs. Even just finding the time to shower, much less brush your teeth twice a day can be challenging.
But unless you take the time to keep your smile in good condition, you are risking cavities and gum disease. Resolve to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. This will help lower bacteria levels in your mouth, which also benefits your little one if you accidentally share a spoon.
Another thing to watch out for is your stress level. Not sleeping exacerbates stress which results in tension in the neck and head muscles. Stress can cause teeth grinding which will create additional jaw problems. Be sure to take a moment to breathe and take care of your needs to lower stress to manageable levels.
Hydration is key to a healthy body and mouth every day, but especially if you are also breastfeeding. Not producing healthy levels of saliva results in an oral condition called dry mouth. This puts you at higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Drink plenty of liquids, especially water to stay properly hydrated.
Keep your smile and your body in good condition by taking care of your daily needs. This will also allow you to better care for your infant. Our dentist, Dr. Michael Hall looks forward to helping you with your oral health needs. You can reach our Central Oregon Dental Center team in Bend, Oregon, by calling 541-389-0300.Â
