Bellamy’s Organic. Mindful eating cares for your teeth and your baby’s

Dental health in pregnancy.

The health of your teeth and gums are especially important during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones, morning sickness and food cravings can affect your oral health. This can have a flow-on effect on your unborn child. That’s why pregnancy is a time to focus on oral care. If you have cravings, mindful eating will help: choose something organic with no added sugar.

Up to 70% of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis, due to hormonal changes, According to an Adelaide University study. This is a condition where the gums become red and swollen, and can bleed when brushing the teeth.

• Morning sickness can increase the acidity in your mouth. Rinse with water after vomiting, but wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth
• Avoid sweet and sticky foods that increase the risk of decay.

Between the 3rd and 6th month of your pregnancy is the optimum time for dental treatment. Always tell your dentist you’re expecting, since some treatments should be avoided. And brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Tooth decay in babies and toddlers

Researchers from three Australian and one US university are examining whether the food and exercise habits of children up to three affect their dental health. An initial study found that 45% of Australian 5 year olds had at least one decayed or missing tooth, with 10% of those children having more than seven rotten teeth! Lead researcher at Sydney University Amit Arora said “This is a huge burden of disease, when one considers that there are only 20 baby teeth in the whole mouth.” In the next phase of the study, in 2012, researchers will look at the types of food and drinks babies and toddlers are consumers to look at links to diet. So we need to be aware that teeth and gum problems can come early, which unchecked can lead to problems in adulthood.

A simple way to help combat dental problems for your teething baby is not to let them go to sleep with a bottle in their mouths and not to put honey on soothers! When teething, provide a good rusk, like Bellamy’s Organic Toothiepegs. Eating rusks is not only good for teeth – they help remove any sticky food – but also aids the gut in digestion. As for snacks, choose organic fruit snacks that only contain natural sugars.

If you’d like to know more about Bellamy’s Organic baby products, rusks and fruit snacks click on this link. It will take you straight to our on-line store http://www.bellamysorganic.com.au/catalogue

Read More at University of Adelaide Dental Practice Education Research Unit

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