Don’t
Give Your Baby Tooth Decay
Are cavities contagious? You may be
surprised to learn that tooth decay in babies often begins with germs passed
from adult to child. Babies are born without the bacteria that cause cavities;
if your infant has been infected with those germs, you could be the cause.
Cavity-causing bacteria can be
passed to a child through the saliva of an adult, usually the primary
caregiver, who has tooth decay. A study in the journal Pediatric Dentistry
found that mothers are the leading source of oral bacteria growth in their
babies.
Cleaning a pacifier in your mouth
before giving it to your baby or sharing food from the same spoon are common
practices that can transmit these bacteria.
Experts say that your baby’s teeth
are most vulnerable to infection when they are newly erupted, because the
enamel on the new tooth is very soft. But even before your baby has any teeth,
these germs can start the decaying process. And if the bacteria are allowed to
thrive in your child’s mouth, they can linger there and attack the permanent
teeth as well.
By taking the following steps now,
you can help prevent infecting your baby:
- Be sure you and any other adults who have regular close
contact with your child are in good oral health.
- Avoid mouth kissing and sharing food or utensils that
pass from your mouth to your child’s.
- Clean pacifiers with water, not saliva.
- Clean your child’s gums with a soft cloth after
feedings.
- Brush any erupted teeth at least twice a day with a
baby toothbrush and water.
- Introduce a smear of toothpaste when your pediatric
dentist approves.
- Start your child’s regular visits to our office when he
or she is 12 months old, or when the first tooth erupts.
Taking these measures can put your
child on the road to good oral health, something you can both smile about.
If you have questions regarding your child's oral health, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.
