Because of their busy schedule, many moms of toddlers neglect their dental health and end up having teeth problems. Here are 12 ways to prevent them.

Due to the hectic schedule of taking care of the kids and work life, a lot of moms forget to take care of themselves, especially paying attention to their oral health.

But skipping dental care just to save a few extra minutes of the day costs a lot in the long run. It can cause permanent damage and rob you of your long-term oral health.

If your teeth are already damaged and are in severe condition, a dental implant may be the only or the best solution for you. Consult with the dentist before making any decision.

But to prevent you from reaching that stage, you may do some preventions like having porcelain veneers. You may check out porcelain veneers cost Melbourne to get some ideas, and here are some tips for busy moms to help them take better care of their oral health.

1. Give Yourself a Head Start

To avoid the last resort treatment of getting a dental implant, wake up ten to fifteen minutes earlier than your youngster to give your teeth the attention they deserve without feeling rushed. This will give you enough time to brush your teeth properly and also floss them without interruption.

Take at least two minutes for every brushing session to remove all the bacteria, germs, and plaque from the teeth.

2. Brush Twice a Day

It is essential to brush twice a day, in the morning and at night. Although busy moms avoid brushing their teeth at night because they’re tired after a long day, this habit should be given up.

When you go to bed without brushing, the teeth remain covered in bacteria the whole night. Bacteria consume the food remnants on the teeth and beneath the gums.

In this process, harmful acid is produced which damages the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Brushing at night prevents cavities, bad breath, and plaque.

3. Floss Daily

Flossing daily is also essential. It makes it easier to clean the areas between the teeth and crevices where your toothbrush does not reach. Floss at least once a day.

The various types of dental floss available include waxed, unwaxed, flavoured, or dental tape. Here are some tips when flossing: 

* Use about 18 inches of floss. Winding most of the floss around the middle fingers and leaving about 1 to 2 inches to work with.  
* Hold the dental floss between the thumbs and index fingers. Use a rubbing motion when gently gliding the floss between the teeth, and then curve it into a "C" shape around the side of each tooth, making sure to go beneath the gumline. This will help remove plaque more effectively.  
* Move the floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Be gentle to avoid injuring the gums. 
* After cleaning one tooth, release some fresh floss from your fingers to get a clean section of floss for the next tooth. This prevents transferring bacteria between teeth. Make sure to floss between all your teeth, including the back molars. Avoid snapping or forcing the floss, as it can cause damage to the gums.  
* After flossing, rinse with water or mouthwash to eliminate any remaining debris. Check teeth and gums in the mirror to ensure there are no areas you missed.  

If you have difficulty using traditional floss, consider alternatives such as floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers. Still, cleaning effectively between your teeth and along the gumline is crucial.  

Regular flossing, brushing, and regular dental check-ups will help maintain good oral health. A dental hygienist in Plymouth or your area can give expert flossing techniques and recommend the best products suitable for your dental needs.

4. Use Mouthwash

Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash especially if you are suffering from some gum diseases like inflamed gums. Use an antiseptic mouthwash and rinse your mouth with it at least two times a day.

Avoid using a mouthwash that contains whitening agents, as these have the potential to damage your teeth if they are used daily. Rinse and gargle with the mouthwash for half a minute.

It may seem difficult for some moms due to the alcohol content, but to control gum problems and inflammation, it is necessary to eliminate as many bacteria as possible by using a mouthwash. Especially since it can remove the bacteria left behind even after flossing.

5. Choose the Right Brush

Choosing the right brush is very important. If the brush is not proper then the result of brushing can be detrimental. When purchasing a toothbrush remember the following tips:

• Small Head And Soft Bristle:

Buy a brush with a small head and soft bristles that will be gentle on your gums and teeth. The small head is able to clean the hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. If the bristles are hard it harms the gum. 

• Non-Slip Grip:

Buy a toothbrush that has a non-slip grip as it will make the brushing easier and more convenient, especially when wet.

•  Avoid Using Frayed Brushes:

Do not use a frayed brush. Buy two or three brushes at once to save yourself from using a frayed one.

• Change Brush:

Changing the brush timely is essential as using a toothbrush for more than six months is highly unhygienic. Study shows that a new brush can clean plaque up to thirty percent more than a three-month-old one.

6. Use the Right Techniques of Brushing

Using the proper techniques for brushing is very important. Your brush won't do much good if you do not know the right way of brushing.

Many may think that brushing is no rocket science and there's no right way to do it. However, to get the most out of brushing and effectively remove bacteria, brush your teeth in a soft and circular motion.

Don't rub your toothbrush too hard on your teeth and gum. Divide the mouth into quadrants and then carefully brush all areas, spending 30 seconds on each quadrant.

7. Disinfect Before Every Cleaning

Bacteria and dirt accumulate in your toothbrush over time. And with our daily hectic routine, inspecting the toothbrush to find the dirt is the last thing that crosses our minds. But cleaning and disinfecting the toothbrush properly before making it come into contact with your tooth is crucial.

Buy an Isopropyl bottle from any drug store and also buy a few extra alcohol bottles to refill them when needed. Take your toothbrush and spray some alcohol on the bristles of the toothbrush then let the brush dry out. Leave it for a few minutes.

You can do this before taking shower. This way the bristles will dry out while you are showering and won't hamper your busy schedule. This process will ensure that the dirt, germs, and bacteria that were residing in your toothbrush bristles are eliminated.

Do the same with the toothbrushes of your children. Make it a part of their brushing routine to maintain their oral health and encourage your kids to keep healthy.

8. Use a Straw

We often consume beverages and carbonated drinks that are high in acids and sugar. These acids and sugar can harm the front teeth. To prevent the beverages from coming directly into contact with your teeth you can use a  straw. Metal straws are the best option as you can reuse them. Keep a metal straw with you whenever you are out of the home.

9. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum has its own benefits for your teeth. It increases the amount of saliva production which drives out the bacteria from the mouth making your mouth healthier.

Furthermore, chewing sugar-free gum helps in removing the food particles that are stuck behind and between the teeth.  Dentists also recommend chewing sugar-free gums.

This is an easy tactic that all busy moms may use. Chew sugar-free gum any time, maybe when you are driving or about to lull your child to sleep.

10. Drink Plenty of Water

We've all heard about the benefits of drinking water a thousand times since we were children. Drinking plenty of water is not only good for one’s overall health but also for one’s oral health.

Busy moms often skip drinking the right amount of water due to their busy schedules and this practice should be stopped.

Carry at least a two-litre water bottle with you while you are out of home for a long time. Sip from it throughout the day until there’s no water left.

Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is also a healthy habit to develop. Green tea and infused water also help in staying hydrated. When your body is properly hydrated it produces plenty of saliva which helps in the removal of harmful bacteria.

So for a healthy and clean mouth, you should stay hydrated.

11. Stay Relaxed and Rest Well

Many may wonder what is the link between rest and relaxation with oral health. A busy and stressful daily routine negatively impacts your dental health by leading to stress on oral health.

Busy moms' routines are usually packed with schedules for the job and taking care of the family which takes a toll on their bodies and leaves them tired and stressed.

Getting proper sleep is important to relieve the body and mind from stress. Take eight hours of sleep every night and if possible take short naps during the day.

12. Visit the Dentist

Busy moms need to spare some time out of their schedule and visit the dentist for regular checkups. Only a professional is capable of giving you a clear and exact picture of your oral health.

Also, the suggestions and advice they make are like no other. Often we don't realize the slow deterioration of our oral health until it's too late. Through regular dental check-ups, you can save yourself from the pain and hassle of the future.

Moreover, regularly getting your mouth and teeth cleaned by a professional is essential to eliminate the teeth stain and tartars which cannot be removed at home.

If you already have some symptoms like gum bleeding, toothache, or gum inflammation, consult a dentist without wasting time.

If you're looking for a reliable dental clinic, consider visiting radiantsmiles.com.au. As a Family Friendly Dental Care provider in Yokine, Radiant Smiles offers a myriad of dentistry services including Regular Check and clean, Emergency Dentistry, Crowns, Dental Implants, and many more. They aim to provide high-quality dental care without having you spend a fortune. So, if you are having any kind of dental discomfort or wish to maintain your oral health, Radiant Smiles is just a click away.

Final Thoughts

No matter how busy we are, taking good care of our oral health is a must. Though it's not easy for busy moms to balance work-life, parenting, and investing time in self-care, they need to pay more attention to their dental health.

You are the example your child follows. So, show them that taking care of oral health is the top priority.