Enjoy a healthy smile this Mother’s day

The month of May is a time when we take a moment to recognize all types of mothers for their efforts, dedication, and unrelenting love. They probably even took the time to teach us how to brush and floss our teeth, since oral health is incredibly important! However, many mothers will find that while they make sure their children have healthy smiles, they often put their own oral health on the back burner. Self-care is essential in ensuring a mother can care for those she loves. Additionally, women also face some unique oral health concerns that may require regular attention from a dental professional.

Below are just a few things that can impact a mother’s oral health and wellness: 

• Menstruation. During the course of a menstrual cycle, hormones can fluctuate dramatically and result in swollen, red, and bleeding gum tissues. “That time of the month” can also contribute to the development of cold sores and canker sores.
• Hormonal birth control. During times when the body may have higher levels of both estrogen and progesterone, the gum tissue can become extremely red and sensitive. Furthermore, hormonal changes can also impact one’s ability to properly clot blood after surgical tooth extractions. Speak to your dentist about your birth control methods to determine if they are the cause of certain dental concerns.
• Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant need to pay very close attention to their oral health and wellness during this time. This is because many women develop pregnancy gingivitis due to the fluctuation in their hormones during the three trimesters of pregnancy.
• Menopause. Women who are in menopause, or are in the perimenopause phase of their life, may experience significant drops in estrogen levels. This can cause the formation of dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow, which can also impact one’s chance of developing cavities or periodontal disease.

Take care of yourself first!

Self-care is incredibly important for mothers who often spend time in a caretaking position for others. If you are located in the Georgetown, TX area and want to have a healthy and beautiful smile this mother’s day, contact our office by calling (512) 819-9100 and visiting the office of Aesthetic Dentistry of Georgetown at 3622 Williams Drive, Building 2.