Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children's Health Podcast · Nemours Children's Health

Ep. 184: Tiny Teeth, Big Impact: How Oral Health Shapes Lifelong Wellness

·22 min·1 clip

Mom's cavity bacteria transmits directly to baby; pregnancy dental care prevents preeclampsia and low birth weight.

Well Beyond Medicine Episode features pediatric dentist Ashley Lerman discussing oral health development from conception through childhood. Key revelations include: baby teeth remain until age 12-13 (not early childhood), single cavities triple adult cavity risk, maternal oral health directly impacts fetal health outcomes, and first dental visit should occur at age 1 or with first tooth eruption. Lerman emphasizes prevention cost-effectiveness and addresses common parental behaviors (nighttime bottle feeding) with shame-free, practical solutions. Episode highlights access barriers and disparities in dental care availability.

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