Mothers’ Oral Health Impacts Children

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Localised and general fluoridation is possible under indications of a doctor, but it is necessary to always remember that excess fluoride leads to fluorosis (a disease marked by the occurrence of white, yellow or brown stains on the teeth). Bleaching is not recommended. It weakens teeth and increases their sensitivity. Orthodontic treatment is allowed, but it is always necessary to consider that fixed devices worsen the mouth hygiene increasing the risk of the development of cavities. In the absence of any alternative, it is recommended to visit the dentist for the purpose of check-ups and hygienist cleaning. Oral hygiene is very important for the future mother. The task of the dentist is to teach how to brush teeth correctly. During pregnancy, teeth should be cleaned at least twice a day, using a normal or soft toothbrush. There is no difference between electric and ordinary toothbrushes, the main thing is to be able to use them correctly. If necessary, the attending physician will advise to use special medical toothpastes and will train in techniques of massage of gums to prevent or decrease bleeding. There are toothpastes developed especially for pregnant women. The use of fluoride toothpastes is not forbidden. Fluoride protects tooth enamel from cavities, and insignificant particles of paste which the woman swallows together with the saliva and water during cleaning cannot damage the future baby in any way. However supplementary fluoride is not recommended. As it has already been mentioned above, it can lead to fluorosis. Flossing should not be forgotten; mouth wash and chewing gum with xylose are not contra-indicated during pregnancy. It is obligatory to visit the dentist 2-3 times during pregnancy for professional cleaning. Nutrition of the pregnant woman should be balanced, containing all necessary vitamins and microelements. For the best digestion of calcium by the body, it is necessary to take it together with vitamin D3. There is a considerable amount of vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant women nowadays.

4. Dental health after childbirth. What factors can have a negative impact? Recommendations for mothers: food, hygiene, visits to the dentist.

After childbirth, the immunity of the new mother can be extremely weakened and subject to external influences, including bacteria which cause cavities. Demineralised tooth areas (those deprived of calcium) and areas with tooth deposits are the most subject to cavities. Therefore, it is necessary to visit the dentist 3-4 times a year for hygienist cleaning and check-ups. Development of caries during the postnatal period is dangerous for the mother, as well as for the baby who starts facing the environment’s microorganisms for the first time. Even the kiss of a mother is a source of penetration of microbes for the child. To protect the child and prevent possible negative consequences, it is necessary to take timely and qualitative mouth care. There are no contra-indications for the use of any filling materials for women after childbirth. During breastfeeding period, a more careful and selective approach to the food used is necessary. In particular, it is required to enrich the daily diet with products containing calcium. They include: dairy products, nuts, fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, etc. During the first months of life the child receives from breast milk all necessary microelements which are vitally important , so the body of the woman should contain enough of them.