Oral Health Tips: Helping New Parents is Good for Business

After welcoming a new baby, parents—especially mothers—face a lot of health challenges, and Oral health is a popular one among them. Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist and mother, started Firstgrin to change the way people around the world think about oral health. She said that poor oral health in mothers and children can cause serious problems for the whole family and lead to productivity losses at work. Also, employees struggling with dental pain are three times more likely to be less productive due to discomfort and frequent medical visits.

Building a supportive workplace for parents is a challenge, but the fact that you’re here means you’re already on the right path.

• Maternal oral health impacts babies’ health. Poor gum health and untreated cavities during pregnancy increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. For working mothers, this often leads to increased stress, longer recovery, and more time away from work.
  
  

• Children with dental problems often miss school because of pain or tooth decay. This means their parents, who work - may have to take time off from work to see their children.
  
  

• Poor dental health is connected to long-term health problems. It can lead to issues like heart disease and diabetes, which result in higher medical costs and more missed workdays for employers.
  
  

• Dental pain affects mental focus and overall well-being. Dental discomfort can impact concentration and productivity, contributing to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
  
  

Key Stats:

Increased Cavity Risk: Children of mothers with untreated dental issues are three times more likely to develop cavities.

School Absenteeism: Each year, dental issues cause 51 million missed school days in the U.S., often requiring parents to take time off work to care for their children.

Cost to Employers: Poor dental health leads to an annual productivity loss of $2,000 per employee due to missed work and reduced focus.

Be A Champion Of Family Health

Give your team access to Firstgrin’s maternal and childhood dental health resources. Our program offers trusted guidance and products to help parents confidently manage oral health throughout pregnancy and childhood, building a strong foundation from the earliest stages. When employees feel their families are supported, they stay engaged, healthy, and ready to perform at their best. By investing in dental health, you’re not only creating a healthier workforce—you’re building loyalty, well-being, and a brighter future for families.

When you provide Firstgrin resources for parents:

• Show new parents they’re welcomed and valued as key members of your team.
• Demonstrate to future parents that family is a priority in your workplace.
• Provide all parents with practical support to boost well-being and resilience.
• Let your entire team know you’re invested in their physical, emotional, and mental health, both on and off the job.

Make Firstgrin an integral part of your team’s support network, fostering healthy smiles and building a foundation for engaged, thriving employees for years to come.

Why Firstgrin?

With Dr. Ashley Lerman’s expert approach to pediatric and maternal oral health, Firstgrin offers a unique blend of professional dental insights and real-world parenting guidance:

• Expert Advice and Essential Products: Practical, step-by-step guidance paired with high-quality oral care products, tailored for each stage of early childhood development.
  
  
• Real Solutions for Busy Parents: Simplified guidance that meets parents where they are, whether it’s teething, planning for braces, or managing dental emergencies.