Comfort Family Dental - November 2021

Comfort Family Dental - November 2021

2036 W. 95th St. Chicago, IL 60643 773-366-8718 www.comfort-familydental.com

NOVEMBER 2021

Smile Into Motherhood THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER PREGNANCY

Hello, everyone! Our monthly newsletter is back. Out of everything that has happened in the past year, however, I’m most grateful for you. Without your support this year, I wouldn’t be able to share these free educational resources with my patients. With that said, I’d like to share a trending topic in the dental industry that more health care professionals — like primary doctors and prenatal counselors — are becoming more aware of: oral health and pregnancy. November is a time of year we often spend close to our families. With September being the most popular month for birthdays in

the U.S., it’s also close to the most popular time for parents to consider expanding their families. However, what most parents may not know is that oral health plays a huge role before, during, and after pregnancy. Why “before and during” pregnancy? As a dentist, I can’t stress the importance of preventive care enough. Considering the high prevalence of tooth decay in children and tooth disease in adults, parents should remember that preventive measures are relatively low cost and high yield. When parents allow their oral care habits to fall to the wayside, their overall health suffers, too, increasing the risk of periodontitis,

heart disease, diabetes, and dementia due to increased harmful bacteria in the bloodstream. This can have important impacts on a mother’s health long before she conceives. During pregnancy, research by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) found that periodontitis or gum disease can increase a mother’s risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm or low-birth weight babies. Oral health doesn’t become less important after pregnancy, either. Parents should be aware that early childhood caries (ECC) or cavities are considered a “family disease.” ECC is characterized by one or more teeth with cavities, tooth loss due to cavities, or filled teeth surfaces in children younger than 6, and ECC is actually contagious and can be caused by cariogenic bacteria passed on from family members with cavities, including mothers. It can also be caused by a poor, sugar-laden diet, but not as many people suspect their own cavities being infectious when kissing their infant relatives or children. If this information seems shocking, I understand — it’s not commonly known. But there are actions you can take to ensure your teeth are healthy for you and your children.

Continued on Page 2 ...

773-366-8718 • 1

OVERCOMING THE IMPOSSIBLE TASK Improving Your Mental Health One Step at a Time

Almost everyone at some point has encountered a task that is seemingly simple, but no matter what they do, they can’t complete it. These tasks can be as straightforward as making the bed or something bigger, like cleaning an entire room. For many, this is an obstacle that they may want to do but can’t, which weighs heavily on them and becomes detrimental to their mental health. It’s important to understand that the impossible task is not a sign of laziness; depression and anxiety can make any task feel much bigger and more difficult than it actually is. If you find yourself unable to do the things you need or want to do, try these techniques to help overcome your obstacles. Break up the task. When the overarching task feels daunting, breaking it up into smaller segments can help you manage it. If you’re cleaning the kitchen, clean for only a few minutes at a time before taking a break. It might take longer, but the space will be clean at the end of the day. Make the task more enjoyable. Play music or involve your pet in some way to make the task fun or create a reward system for yourself. For example, tidying a specific

area of the house or folding a basket of laundry may earn you time to play video games or watch TV. Alternating tasks and rewards is a great way to overcome any task, big or small. It can help to consider why the task feels so impossible, especially if you used to enjoy it. Try to remember what made it enjoyable and see if you can return to that state of mind. If the objective is not so urgent, determine its importance and if the task can be saved for another day. When all else fails, you can always ask someone for support or even pay someone else to do the task for you. No matter what you decide, there are ways to defeat the impossible task.

... continued from Cover

First of all, make sure to brush and floss twice every day and eat a balanced diet. Research has shown that a regular oral hygiene regimen and a healthy diet, as well as an increased water and fiber intake, can decrease a mother’s risk of dental decay in the perinatal period. If flossing were optional, I wouldn’t recommend it to my patients. For most of human history, we’ve lost all our teeth as we get older. Now, thanks to flossing and science, we don’t have to. Flossing keeps your gums healthy by scrubbing bacteria that’d otherwise eat and destroy your teeth. Second, attend your biannual dental check-ups and cleanings. Keeping your dentist in the loop is a healthy practice for any expectant mother. These appointments ensure your teeth are professionally cleaned and in tip-top shape. We can help correct any signs of tooth decay so your cavities don’t infect your baby or children. If there’s any gum bleeding or other bacterial issues that can sometimes occur during pregnancy, we can help address them immediately with antibiotics. Lastly, any changes to your routine can be discussed with your dentist (me!), and we can figure out new tools and strategies to ensure your smile is protected. Third, bring your baby for a preventive dental visit by the time they’re 1 year old. According to national Medicaid >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

www.comfort-familydental.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator