May is a beautiful month where we get to see the seasons change and the flowers bloom. It’s also a special month in regards to celebrating one very important person in all of our lives – our mother! At Kitsap Kid’s Dentistry, family is everything, and since Mother’s Day is just around the corner, we want to take time to thank all the wonderful moms out there which includes not only our wonderful patient community but all mothers throughout the entire Kitsap Peninsula!
Being a mom is one of the greatest and most rewarding jobs. Growing up, it was most often our mother who dried our tears when we got hurt, showed us right from wrong, and always encouraged us to chase our dreams… & this Mother’s Day, we would like to recognize all the moms out there by providing some basic Kitsap Kid’s Dentistry dental tips for maintaining a healthy smile throughout the various stages of life as a parent:
Expecting & New Mommies
Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams for new or expecting mothers are not only safe, but are very important when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile. During pregnancy, hormone levels are known to rise, causing a variety of symptoms such as swelling & bleeding of the gums. Preventive dental work while pregnant helps expectant mothers avoid oral infections such as gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to preterm birth. Good oral care is not only essential for a new or expecting mother but for the health of her baby as well.
Moms with Growing Children
Children grow quickly, and a lot of mothers wonder where the time goes! With all the effort and time spent on raising children, moms often put their own health needs aside and delay things like regular checkups with their doctor or dentist. For moms that are always on the go, we suggest finding ways to make it as easy as possible to maintain good oral health care at home. With younger kids, it can be fun and healthy to set aside a designated family time for brushing and flossing teeth. We also strongly encourage even the busiest of moms to take time for themselves and schedule regular doctor and dental checkups.
Moms & Grandma’s
As women age, changes in hormones and other factors can increase the risk for bone loss and gum disease. Stress, sleep and diet all have an impact on oral health as well as whole-body wellness. Adults in general are leading more active lives and living longer, which means it is even more important for older women to care for their smiles and their bodies. While bone loss often first appears in the jaw, senior women may have dental work such as implants, partials or dentures that need regular care. That’s why regular dental checkups remain an important aspect throughout life.
Conclusion
This Mother’s Day, we encourage everyone to share a smile with their mom. Take your mom out to lunch, go to a movie together, or buy your mom some flowers. Happy Mothers Day!