New Mom and the Dentist - Why Should I See My Dentist Now?
Channel: DrLongVo
Date: 2012-01-18

http://SmileCentre.com/category/2x4-early-prevention/

Why is it important to see the dentist after giving birth?

Charlie: Again a question from a pregnant woman. Why is it important to see the dentist after giving birth? After giving birth that sounds like we have two people we're talking about now but certainly for the moms, what are we saying?

Dr. Long: You may think that now the baby's out of my body I don't need to control my diet or my hygiene anymore but bacteria can be transmitted to the baby. Same thing with prevention, the knowledge simply to avoid sharing food with the baby, kissing directly right on the mouth, that can transmit bacteria. That's where that appointment, the two month appointment is important. It's mostly for mommy for her to gain that knowledge because there's no point in talking about it too early because it's not relevant to her and she may forget.

Charlie: Remind her of things.

Dr. Long: Right so at that appointment, that's where we show mommy how to clean baby's gums and most mothers don't know that you have to do that but the benefit of wiping the gums is that we're removing bacteria, that's the number one reason, number two, that slight pressure, we're stimulating the gums and teething. Also taking care of mommy's teeth is important because if mommy's teeth are healthy there is less chance of transmitting and plus for example if mommy wasn't healthy because of pain or what not she would not be physically fit to take care of her baby because it's very demanding. You're losing sleep, waking up for nursing and all that and for the baby it's important because we can detect small problems such as tissue problems or the tongue can sometimes be tied down to the floor of the mouth and it can affect...

Charlie: It seems to me as well you recommend no x-rays for about a year. Is that for mom? For baby?

Dr. Long: No, it's for both because obviously during pregnancy we avoid x-rays. Now after when the two months appointment it's a good time for x-rays because for now it's been over a year that mommy hasn't had x-rays.

Charlie: Oh I see.

Dr. Long: And things can develop because of changes in the diet and the hygiene. It's like when you have braces and they come off, it's a good time to come in for x-rays because little things can develop and we can detect them and fix them early. If there is a cavity that develops into a bigger problem mommy is not at her best and she won't be able to take care of baby.

Charlie: I guess the short answer as well here is, let's get mom back on track to where she would have been had she stayed right on that dental health program.

Dr. Long: For sure. Yes.

Charlie: Very good.

Dr. Marc: Dr. Julie it sounds like there is so much that you have to take into consideration that it can be overwhelming so this notion of getting back on track makes a lot of sense. Anything to add to that?

Dr. Julie: Well mommies always know to take care of herself last so that's what we have it there. It a reminder for her to take care of her teeth so that she can also take care of her baby. When baby is born actually, baby doesn't have any bacteria causing cavities in her mouth and they acquire that later on and who's the first person that they get it from? It's mommy.

Dr. Marc: Okay, so mom taking care of any bacteria she has is actually about preventing illness in her child? 

Dr. Julie: This is how her baby get the bacteria most of the time so we want to make sure that her mouth is in top health as well because as much as we tell the moms not to share the food, not to lick the spoon.

Dr. Marc: It happens.

Dr. Julie: It happens. It happens. We kiss them, we kiss them on the lips, close to the lips and we do pass it on.

Dr. Marc: We're not focused on bacteria at that point.

Dr. Julie: Yes. That's why it's so important. By taking care of herself again will take care of baby.

Dr. Marc: Well, that's the bottom line. Right now.

. . . . .
There is WAY more interview on SmileCentre.com
Dr. Long Vo and Dr. Julie Dao are the heart and soul of Smile Centre Dental in Burlington, Ontario. If you have questions about your child's dental health, call for an appointment today: 905.332.0330      



This video has one question and answer by Dr. Long Vo and Dr. Julie Dao when interviewed by Dr. Marc Kossmann and Charlie Seymour Jr of DentalTopDocLegends.com. Find more of the interview at http://SmileCentre.com/category/2x4-early-prevention/

To get YOUR questions answered or for a consultation or dental appointment, Burlington ON Dentist Dr. Long Vo can be reached at             905.332.0330      


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