As a new mum, you’re focused on looking after your baby’s health, but it’s equally important to take care of your own health.
Oral Hygiene
New babies need a lot of time and attention, and new mums sometimes forget to brush and floss. Poor oral health can result in cavities and gum disease, and can also impact on your baby’s oral health. Giving your baby a bottle or dummy that you’ve had in your mouth, even for a short time, can transfer bacteria into your baby’s mouth.
Ensure you maintain your brushing and flossing, and schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
The stress of a new baby, together with reduced sleep, can create muscle tension in the head and neck, which can result in teeth grinding. Sleeplessness and post-natal stress could mean you’re not even aware of teeth grinding, so ask your dentist to check for it.
Medications
When you’re breastfeeding, most medications will get into your breast milk and some can even affect your milk supply.
If you need to have any dental work completed, or need to take any medication, including over the counter medications, whilst breastfeeding, ensure you tell your dentist, pharmacist or medical professional that you’re breastfeeding to ensure the medication is safe for your new baby.
Hydration
If you’re breastfeeding, you need to drink more water than usual to make up for what your body uses to produce milk.
Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, and also affects your oral health. A dry mouth has reduced saliva production, which puts you at greater risk for plaque and gum disease.
To stay hydrated, fill several water bottles and place them around your home, including one beside your usual breastfeeding chair so you can drink whilst feeding. Take small, frequent sips of water before, during and after feeding.
Remember that if you’ve started exercising following childbirth, you need to drink even more water in addition to the extra fluid for breastfeeding.
Being a new mum is a busy and rewarding period of your life, so it’s important that you stay healthy for your own sake and that of your family.
Speak with your dentist or medical professional if you need assistance with your oral health.
Leave a Reply