More children means fewer teeth for mothers, research suggests

Women who have three or more children are more likely to have lost teeth in middle age or later life than those with only one or two, according to a new study.

Research carried out by scientists from the department of dentistry at Radboud University Nijmegen in the Netherlands found that the mothers of three or more children on average have four fewer teeth than those with one fewer child.

This discovery indicates that there may be some truth behind the old wives' tale 'gain a child, lose a tooth', which the study authors believe is most likely due to many women craving sugary or highly acidic foods while pregnant.

However, women with more children may also find it harder to find time to visit the dentist for oral hygiene check-ups, and may be tempted to pick at their children's sweets.

Lead author of the study Professor Stefan Listl commented: "On basis of our findings, enhanced promotion of oral hygiene, tooth-friendly nutrition and regular preventative dental attendance – specifically targeted at expecting and parenting mothers – seem to be sensible strategies for clinicians and health policy."

Interestingly, having an extra child was not found to impact on fathers' oral health.

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