Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life! There’s a lot to consider and think about during your pregnancy, and your health should be at the top of your list. Taking good care of yourself is critical to having a successful pregnancy, and something you may not realize is important is your oral health. Dr. David Earnest, your dentist in New Braunfels, discusses how oral health relates to pregnancy.

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Families who visit the same dentist benefit from a few things. First of all, there’s convenience. Forget driving all over town to meet everyone’s smile needs, because your family dentist in New Braunfels centralizes excellent care. And have you considered the fact that your little ones are more likely to trust a dental team they know everyone else in their family loves, too? Y’all share so much already — why don’t you visit the same dentist, too?

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Your lifestyle greatly affects your teeth and gums — for good or for bad. Americans don’t smoke as much as the rest of the world, which is a good thing for our oral (and overall) health. But we do love simple carbs and other things that aren’t so great for our smiles. Is your diet impacting your tooth and gum health without you realizing it? We are what we eat, after all, and the same applies to your mouth. Follow these tips from your dentist in New Braunfels to enjoy better oral health for years to come!

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It’s been said that tooth pain is some of the worst discomfort you can experience. If you’ve suffered from a toothache, you’ll know this to be true. While tooth decay is often the culprit, did you know that tooth pain is not always due to a cavity? At Comal Dental, Dr. David Earnest helps patients manage all kinds of dental pain, and the first step is proper diagnosis. Your dentist in New Braunfels discusses common reasons for tooth pain.

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As we learn more about how oral health affects our overall health, it has never been more important to take care of your teeth and mouth. Besides your regular dental cleaning and checkups, there are many things you can do at home to help maintain your oral health. Dr. David Earnest, your family dentist in New Braunfels, has some helpful tips on how to make the most of your home care routine.

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CHOOSING TO BREASTFEED a child is a personal and special decision for a mother. Not only does nursing provide a valuable bonding experience for mother and baby, it also has many health benefits, such as decreasing the child’s risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and lowering the chances of mom developing breast and ovarian cancer. But what effect can breastfeeding have on baby’s oral health and development?

Breastfeeding Aids in Bite Alignment

You may not have known that the sucking mechanisms are different for bottle-fed and breastfed babies. Breastfeeding stimulates muscle tone in the jaw because it requires the use of the jaw muscles more so than bottle-feeding. A study published in “Pediatrics” also showed that babies who were exclusively breastfed for six months were 72 percent less likely to have crooked teeth.

With that being said, it is important to remember that every child is different.Breastfeeding does not guarantee that a child will not have future orthodontic problems just as bottle-feeding does not always lead to bite misalignment. There are many factors that go into bite alignment such as thumb-sucking, pacifier use and genetics.

Decrease Your Child’s Risk of Tooth Decay

Breastfed babies have a reduced risk of cavities. This is because they aren’t at risk for baby bottle tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay happens when a child is put to bed with a bottle that contains formula, milk, or fruit juice. Cavities and decay can still occur in breastfed babies, however, if parents aren’t careful.

To prevent decay, whether bottle feeding or breastfeeding, gently wipe your infant’s gums with a wet washcloth or soft towel after feedings. Later, when your child’s teeth finally make an appearance, start brushing them with a small toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily. For children under three, use no more than a smear of toothpaste, approximately the size of a grain of rice.

And good news, moms. The eruption of teeth doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Every mother and every child is different. Start weaning your child whenever it is right for both of you.

Moms, Don’t Neglect Your Own Oral Health

Mothers with newborns are completely focused on taking care of the new addition to their family. But, moms, don’t let that get in the way of setting enough time aside to focus on your oral hygiene. Cavity prevention is even more crucial for new parents, as bacteria can be transferred from you to your baby.

We Want Healthy Smiles for Mothers and Their Children

Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, or a combination of both, it’s up to parents to start their children off right when it comes to their oral health and development. If you have any questions concerning pediatric oral health care, give us a call. Our job is to keep families smiling!

To our patients and friends, thank you.

Click here to learn more about Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.