Elizabeth Hurley is a well-recognized name globally – the actress and former model, exhibits beauty and graciousness effortlessly. Unbeknownst to many, however, she is also a fervent supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year.
For nearly two decades, the actress has worn pink during the month of October wherever she goes. Elizabeth Hurley has been the face of Estee Lauder’s breast-cancer awareness and fundraising efforts for 18 years.
In conjunction with this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Specialist Dental Group team would like to share with you a few relevant pointers with regards to your oral health.
The breast and teeth do have some things in common – Breastfeeding mothers may be concerned whether breastfeeding their babies would cause cavities, or whether the babies would bite while nursing.
Some researchers have found that dental decay was less prevalent before the popularity of baby bottles. Two dentists, Dr. Brian Palmer and Dr. Harold Torney, have done extensive research on human skulls (from 500 to 1000 years ago) in their study of tooth decay in children. These children were breastfed, possibly for a longer period of time. The conclusion has led them to conclude that breastfeeding does not cause tooth decay.
The biggest factor that may contribute to the high possibility of a child developing cavities would be falling asleep while drinking milk, leading to decayed teeth, a term that is widely known as baby bottle tooth decay.
Here’s a tip for mummies when nursing their young ones:
- Try to wipe your baby’s gums with a clean soft gauze or cloth after each milk feeding. When the child’s first tooth erupts, start brushing it either with a soft cloth or a special brush for babies.
- When your baby needs a pacifier during their naps or at night, please give him/her a clean pacifier without dipping it into sweetened liquids.
- Start to bring your child to visit a paedodontist no later than his/her second birthday. However, if your baby or toddler has dental problems before that, take them to see a paedodontist as soon as possible.
- Ideally, bring your child along with you when you visit the dentist… this is the best way to get them used to the idea that dental visits are a regular part of life’s routine.
If you are a woman (or a man with important women in your life), it is crucial to protect ourselves and do breast self-examination regularly. When it comes to health, early detection is better than cure and if detected early, there is a better chance of survival and recovery.
Our colleagues at ParkwayHealth have facilities for breast cancer screening and in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, are offering a special rate for mammograms at their various centres. Please contact us for more details and spread the good news to your loved ones and friends today.
Breast Cancer can be beaten!
