3 Things to Know About Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy CAN PREGNANCY CAUSE GINGIVITIS? Pregnancy is a beautiful part of the cycle of life, and it affects the whole body. The mouth is no exception, nor are the teeth. There are many dental changes that occur during pregnancy, which can be shocking if you’re unprepared. BE PREPARED FOR HORMONES Hormonal changes during pregnancy swing like a grandfather clock’s pendulum. In addition to mood shifts, these hormone changes can have a detrimental impact on dental health. • Heightened hormone levels may cause pregnancy gingivitis. Progesterone is 10 times higher in pregnant people, boosting bacteria growth that often leads to gingivitis. • Inflammation is common in pregnancy, which inflames gums like the rest of the body.
Introducing children to domestic and international travel at a young age can significantly aid their development. Surprisingly, traveling with children as young as 6 months old can be remarkably beneficial. It instills a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences. In addition, child development research shows that travel broadens a child’s horizons and plays a pivotal role in their cognitive and emotional growth in several ways. CULTURAL EMPATHY AND ADAPTABILITY Travel exposes young minds to different cultures and environments, fostering empathy and adaptability. A global education specialist, Dr. Robin Hancock, explains that children who travel from an early age learn to appreciate cultural differences and are more likely to develop meaningful relationships across diverse backgrounds. This early exposure lays a strong foundation for them to grow into well-rounded, globally aware adults. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT Beyond cultural understanding, travel significantly impacts linguistic development. Associate Professor Erika Levy from Columbia University notes that surrounding children with various language sounds helps maintain their ability to distinguish and learn different languages. This exposure is particularly beneficial in the first few years of life when brain development is most rapid. EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPE PERSPECTIVES The experiences children gain from travel go beyond just forming memories. They shape their perspectives and understanding of the world. Every element of the trip contributes to a child’s learning, from trying new foods to adapting to different climates and customs. Even if they don’t remember every detail, the skills and insights gained during their formative years stay with them for life. INCORPORATING TRAVEL INTO EARLY LEARNING Implementing travel as a part of a child’s early learning can be as simple as exploring local neighborhoods, engaging with different cultures, or creating travel-related traditions. These experiences don’t have to be grand — even small trips offer valuable learning opportunities. YOUNG EXPLORERS HOW TRAVEL SHAPES CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Hormones don’t return to normal immediately after pregnancy, and that’s especially true during breastfeeding.
HOW TO EQUALIZE ACID During pregnancy, nausea is a daily occurrence and vomiting is probable. Since vomit is acidic, it can erode teeth. Here’s a couple of ways you can keep cavities away. • Rinse your mouth out before brushing. While getting rid of the taste immediately is tempting, you need to get the acid out of your mouth first. Once you do, feel free to brush! • Flavor aversion is common during pregnancy. While you may have savored mint in the past, it can be disgusting when you’re pregnant. Fortunately, there are countless toothpaste flavors, especially if you look online. If you prepare accordingly, your teeth will be perfectly safe from the dangers of morning sickness. Be aware of acidic drinks like soda and juice, as they can cause cavities just as well as vomit. BRACE FOR CRAVINGS Everyone experiences cravings, but few know them better than pregnant people. Cravings range from the ordinary to the unusual. Some of these foods one craves have a lot of sugar, which causes plaque and feeds oral bacteria. There’s no shame in indulging in these foods, but brushing and flossing after you eat is essential. Use mouthwash if you feel the need (although it’s not as important as the brushing and flossing). Pregnancy can cause many dental problems, but all are surmountable if you pay close attention to your teeth. Use an electric toothbrush and brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. Floss is just as important as it gets cavity-causing food and bacteria out of hard-to- reach crevices. If you keep doing both, you can make it out of pregnancy with not only a baby, but also sparkling clean teeth.
Travel is more than just a leisure activity for children; it is an invaluable educational tool. By embracing the joys of travel, parents can help develop their children’s cognitive, linguistic, and emotional skills. Whether a local adventure or an international expedition, every journey becomes a stepping stone in a child’s path to a richer, more interconnected future.
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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