"The birth of a child is a moment of great happiness. From the baby's first tooth to their first words, there are several milestones throughout their growth that make any mother proud. However, the postpartum period can also be a time accompanied by some physical and psychological changes for the woman, which can make her feel less confident and healthy, preventing her from fully enjoying these moments", says dentist Sara Pestana, from Malo Clinic Funchal, in a statement, highlighting the importance of oral care in motherhood.

Thus, to mark Mother's Day, on May 5, Sara Pestana reveals five oral care tips to follow after pregnancy to fully enjoy motherhood.

Namely:

1- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles for the gums and a toothpaste with fluoride

During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause inflammation of the gums, with swelling and increased sensitivity or bleeding during brushing. To treat this condition, it is recommended that mothers maintain oral hygiene habits after childbirth, brushing their teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. In addition, they should use a toothpaste with fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

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2- Use custom occlusal splints

Hormonal changes during pregnancy have not only physical but also psychological impacts on the mother. Some of these changes lead to increased stress, which can cause or worsen bruxism, that is, the act of grinding or clenching teeth, often during sleep. To reduce the effects of this behavior - which can persist even after pregnancy - custom occlusal splints are recommended, which prevent tooth wear and discomfort.

3- Stay hydrated

During the breastfeeding period, the mother releases a lot of water from the body, which leads, in certain cases, to a decrease in saliva and a consequent feeling of dry mouth or throat. This reduction in salivary flow can increase the risk of tooth decay and other oral problems, so it is important to keep your body and mouth hydrated, drinking at least two liters of water per day

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4- Get your smile back

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of cavities, tooth erosion and fractures, consequences that persist postpartum causing discomfort or even insecurity with the smile. The rehabilitation of teeth with altered shape or loss of structure through veneers or dental crowns can be the solution, thus restoring the mother's confidence and well-being.

5- Shorten the interval between appointments with the dentist or oral hygienist

By consulting the dentist more regularly, the mother will be able to monitor the state of her oral health more closely, preventing problems and ensuring the harmony of her smile. Thus, she makes sure that her oral health is up to date and can be more confident and enjoy motherhood without added worries.

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