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Are There Special Precautions I Need To Take With My Teeth and Gums While Breastfeeding?

Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin

Beautiful Black baby girl smiling after her parents made a dental appointment atDynamic Dental Care in Spokane, WA

Women have been breastfeeding their babies for millennia, and pediatricians now say that, if possible, women should breastfeed their infants for at least a year after birth. Breastfeeding gives babies a chance to develop stronger immune systems. Breastfed babies are at less risk of obesity. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you are helping to give them a healthy beginning. However, taking care of your baby does not mean you should not be taking care of yourself, especially when it comes to your health. Here are some guidelines for dental care while you are breastfeeding your baby.

Babies Can Steal Your Calcium!

Researchers estimate that women can lose up to five percent of their bone mass while they breastfeed because the nutritional needs of babies are vast during their first year. Many babies double or triple their weight during their first year, and if you are directly providing them with nutrition, your body is going to make sure they get everything they need. In some cases, this means you will lose bone mass out of your teeth and bones to make sure the baby is getting enough calcium.

Gum Disease

Both pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding their babies are more likely to be fighting gum disease. That is because pregnancy and breastfeeding are the one time the body puts the nutritional needs of an infant over the needs of the mother. Your gums need vitamins as much as your teeth do. Vitamin C is particularly important to gum health because it fights inflammation. If your baby is taking all the nutrients, it is going to be difficult for you to keep your gums healthy.

Caring For Yourself

If you are breastfeeding, your calorie needs increase because you are feeding two people. You need to make healthy choices for foods while breastfeeding. Continue to drink plenty of water to help fight bacterial growth in your mouth, and take your prenatal vitamins. Some doctors recommend you take a vitamin formulated for breastfeeding women. Also, be sure you are practicing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.

Need some help with your teeth and gums during pregnancy or breastfeeding? Give our office a call today.

Contact Information

10010 N. Division Street
Spokane, WA 99218-1305

(509) 466-2587
info@dynamicdentalcare.com

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