Parents always try to protect their children from disease, but many of us don’t realize we may accidentally pass harmful bacteria to our children that can result in tooth decay.
Just like a cold, bacteria in the mouth can be transferred from person to person, parent to child, when items with saliva go into the child's mouth.
Here’s a classic example: A mom is out with her baby and the pacifier drops. Rather than give the baby back a dirty pacifier, the mom cleans it in her mouth first. But guess what...now she is sharing saliva from her mouth that may have bad bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
A similar scenario occurs when we share utensils with young children—the bacteria is also shared.
Bacteria can also grow as a result of a baby’s diet. Poor nutritional habits like eating sugary treats and drinks can contribute to poor oral health even in babies. Babies are actually born without harmful bacteria in their mouth but once it’s introduced, they become susceptible to cavities as early as the onset of the first tooth.
As parents, we have an opportunity to provide a good example for our children by maintaining good oral health, and limiting the amount of bacteria your child may be exposed to.
- Here are some practical tips to follow:
- Avoid sharing saliva
- Don’t share utensils, cups or food
- Don’t clean a pacifier in your mouth
- Brush your child’s teeth in the morning and night, even before the baby has teeth (use a soft cloth on the gums before they have any teeth)
- Once the teeth appear, brush them with a small, soft toothbrush without any toothpaste, then clean their gums with a soft cloth
- After age 2, add a pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste to the brush and wipe the teeth until the child can rinse and spit on their own.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks—even raisins and fruit roll ups
- Never put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with milk or juice, ONLY water
- Begin dentist visits for your child at age 1
Speak to your dentist about ways to continue good oral health habits early on and throughout your child’s lifetime.
For further information, visit us at www.deltadentalnj.com
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