Teething Tots

Give your child’s teeth a healthy start. Here’s how…

- Dr Sujata Iyer

The paradox of today’s times is that never before have we been so materially affluent, but so deprived in natural resistance to dental diseases. An increase in affluence has led to changing dietary habits, leading to poor dental health and negligence in oral hygiene.

The need of the hour therefore is to try to understand the dynamics of dental health and strive to adopt good dental habits early on...

Dental Care Starts From The Womb

But how early is too early?

Let’s begin with pregnancy, which is indeed a glorious milestone and a period of complex changes in a woman’s body

The formation of your baby‘s teeth begins in the fifth to sixth week of conception. Calcium, phosphorus and other vitamins and minerals are needed for proper development of teeth and bones.

However, there is a misconception that the calcium needed for the baby comes from the mother’s teeth. The truth is: Calcium for the baby comes purely from the mother’s diet. Hence a well-balanced diet is crucial during pregnancy. A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and proteins, with an adequate intake of vegetables and fruits, is essential. The expectant mother should avoid starchy and sugary foodstuffs as these have no nutrient value.

No additional calcium supplements are required for the teeth if the expectant mother’s diet meets the requirements.