The return is real and so is the fog

Returning to dental practice after becoming a mum comes with joy, but also a whole new set of challenges. Among them, one of the most common is mental fog, that frustrating forgetfulness and disconnection that creeps into conversations, explanations, and even your clinical flow. If you’ve ever blanked on a familiar dental term mid-sentence, you’re not alone.

This isn’t about a lack of skill. It’s about brain function during one of the most demanding times of your life. Understanding what’s happening and having the right tools is how you reclaim your confidence.

What is “mum brain” and why does it affect us in dentistry

‘Mum brain’ refers to the mental fog, forgetfulness, and lack of clarity that many women experience during pregnancy, postpartum, or in long periods of sleep deprivation. Research shows that grey matter changes in a mother’s brain to support bonding and caregiving, but this can temporarily impact memory, language retrieval, and focus.

In dentistry, a high-pressure, high-communication field, this can feel disorienting. It shows up as:

• Losing your train of thought during explanations.
• Struggling to recall terminology you once knew instinctively.
• Feeling less sharp in team meetings or treatment planning.
• Second-guessing your own professional identity.

The good news? You are still the same capable clinician, and there are ways to work with this, not against it.

Why dental analogies work for mum brain

Analogies are a powerful communication tool that can support you on days when your brain isn’t firing on all cylinders. They:

• Offer a clear, simple comparison that patients can understand.
• Build confidence when technical terms feel out of reach.
• Help reconnect you with the core knowledge you already have.
• Reduce pressure by giving you a reliable explanation framework.

Try these dental analogies in practice

Explaining gum disease:

“Your Tooth is Like a Tree”

The gum and bone are the soil. When the soil erodes, the tree becomes unstable.

– Great for explaining periodontitis progression.

“The turtleneck analogy”

Healthy gums are like a snug turtleneck. Inflamed gums become loose, creating pockets where bacteria hide.

– Helps patients visualise the development of gum pockets.

“Bleeding gums are like an open wound”

If your hand bled when you washed it, you’d worry. Brushing and seeing blood should be treated the same.

– Reframes gum bleeding as a sign of disease, not something to ignore.

“Tartar is like cement”

Plaque is soft and removable. Once it hardens into tartar, it’s like cement; only your hygienist can remove it.

– Reinforces the importance of regular hygiene visits.

Explaining tooth decay:

“Decay is like rust on a car”

The longer you leave rust, the worse it gets. Same with decay.

– Encourages early intervention.

“Sugar feeds bacteria like oil feeds fire”

Every sugary snack fuels bacteria to produce acid.

– Supports dietary education around snacking.

“A filling is like patching a wall”

Small holes are easy to patch. Leave them too long, and it becomes a rebuild.

– Explains the need for timely fillings before escalation.

Confidence comes from preparation – not perfection

You don’t have to fight mum brain. You can work with it. Think of analogies as tools, not shortcuts. They build trust with patients, create a connection, and take the pressure off when your mind is tired.

This isn’t about faking clarity. It’s about leaning into clarity with confidence, using the tools that are already part of your skillset.

You are still the expert… even on foggy days

Here’s your reminder:

• You’ve not lost your clinical ability.
• You’ve gained empathy, patience, and depth.
• You don’t need to explain your mum brain, you just need strategies that support it.

Using analogies is a small, practical shift that can make a big difference. They help you stay clear, reduce anxiety, and deliver great care even when your brain feels foggy.

Final thoughts

Motherhood doesn’t lessen your professionalism. It enriches it. If you’re struggling with your confidence in the comeback, know this:

• You are still highly capable.
• You can still educate and lead in the surgery.
• You are more than a memory slip; you are a powerhouse of empathy and skill.

Even on your foggiest day, you are still a brilliant dentist.