but expecting mothers should take extra care of their teeth and gums.
Good oral hygiene is always important, but expecting mothers should take extra care of their teeth and gums. When you brush your teeth, concentrate your effort along the gumline. Brushing your teeth after every meal and even snacks is very important. Flossing is also a very important part of your oral health regimen because floss helps remove debris that is lodged between your teeth and often missed by the bristles of your toothbrush. If left unremoved, this plaque debris can affect the surrounding tissues and lead to an infection. You are eating for two now that you are pregnant, and keeping your vitamin C and B12 levels in balance is beneficial to keeping the oral cavity healthy and strong. Your ob/gyn most likely will recommend a prenatal vitamin. This is an extremely important medication because a healthy mom is more likely to lead to a healthy baby. Proper oral hygiene is not only beneficial for your health. Research indicates that there is a clear link between preterm and low birth weight babies and the mother having gingivitis. Pregnancy gingivitis can lead to bacteria entering your blood stream via your gums and affect your baby’s health. The process begins in the blood stream and spreads to the uterus, where the developing baby is residing. This passage of bad bacteria can lead to the production of harmful chemicals that research indicates can lead to premature labor. Once your child is born, it is still very important to keep your teeth and gums healthy, as you also care for your newborn. Many people think the bad bacteria that causes tooth decay comes from the nonnutritious foods we eat. This is not so. In fact, the bacteria that leads to tooth decay is a transmissible disease process. This means that your baby gets the bad bacteria from you. Oh no, say it ain’t so! But yes, just kissing your baby on the lips or putting the spoon in your mouth to see if the food is too hot before you put it in your baby’s mouth are both ways it can be transmitted. Bacteria will always be transmitted, but you having a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth will lead to a healthy balance of bacteria in your baby’s mouth. Throughout your pregnancy and even during your pregnancy consideration phase, I recommend referencing the March of Dimes website (www.marchofdimes.com). It is stocked full of useful information, and it can set you on a path to great health during your pregnancy. ✽ For more information, visit www.smilestructure.com or call 210572-2385.
Rhonda Leifur 210.771.9153
www.WrappingWithRhonda.com
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NFIT WOMAN may/june 2013
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