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From a top-notch education to quality dental care, mothers always want what’s best for their children. Unfortunately, mothers with poor oral health may be unknowingly passing on issues to their offspring. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that mothers with poor oral health are significantly more likely to have children who grow up to have poor oral health. Almost half of mothers who considered their oral health to be “very poor” had adult children with severe tooth decay or tooth loss.

Today, the expert dentists from Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Richmond Hill, GA, will explain how this study may impact your family, as well as what you can do about it.

dentistThere are various reasons for this correlation, and the degree to which each one manifests remains unclear. Genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors may all play a role in passing oral health onto one’s offspring. Some mothers also have a lack of knowledge about dental care, which means they’re children will likely not learn the vital information they need.

Nutritional factors may also factor into this equation. If mom eats a lot of tooth decay-causing sugar, her baby might, too. Furthermore, studies show mothers can pass the bacteria associated with gum disease and teeth cavities onto their children through kissing and sharing utensils.

As a mother, if your dental health is less-than-stellar, it’s vital you and your children visit the dentist for annual teeth cleanings and checkups. Brushing and flossing daily and eating a diet low in sugar will also help curb cavities and other dental complications. Turning oral care into a fun-filled family activity may help your child build positive associations that will lead to healthy dental habits down the road.

The friendly dentists from Richmond Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry want to help you and your family sustain bright, beautiful smiles. To learn more about their services and expertise, call (912) 756-3880 or visit the family dentist’s website. You can also find the team on Facebook.

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