One of the facts that recent parents should know regarding the oral health of their children is that babies are born with a sterile mouth, so the bacteria that produces caries lesions, Streptococcus Mutans, and that can lead to other Diseases are only detected after the eruption of the first milk teeth.
However, previously there may be an invasion of viruses and bacteria through different routes, one of them is through kisses on the mouth and saliva. That is, parents can be the ones who transmit microorganisms (viruses and bacteria) to their babies, and for this reason, in addition to others, it is very important to maintain proper dental hygiene.
What happens if these bacteria are passed on to babies?
It has been shown that the early colonization of the baby’s mouth by cariogenic bacteria, increases the risk of the appearance of cavities in the short term. But in addition, periodontitis or pyorrhea, one of the most widespread diseases in the world and consisting of an inflammation of the gums that can lead to damage to tissues and bones or to the fall of teeth, is also contagious and can be transmitted between parents and sons.
As we have commented, our mouth is full of bacteria that constantly form a sticky and colorless square on the teeth. When plaque is not removed, it hardens to cause gingivitis (inflammation) which, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis.
The aforementioned bacteria that live in our mouths can be transferred from parents to children through something as harmless as kissing. In principle, without the need to be alarmed or change habits, it is advisable, if there is a history, to go to the dentist periodically for routine check-ups as well as pay special attention to hygiene and oral care.
In addition to colonization by bacteria that cause caries and periodontitis, there are also other diseases that are transmitted through the mouth, such as:
- Catarrhs and colds.
- Herpes.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Meningitis.
- Hepatitis B.
- Warts.
What can we do to avoid early colonization?
- Maintain proper dental hygiene for both adults and babies.
- If you have an untreated or uncontrolled oral disease or a high predisposition to untreated tooth decay, it is advisable to avoid sharing utensils with your baby, do not “wash” your baby’s dummy, and avoid blowing on food or tasting food with the same spoon.
- Do not share your toothbrush.
- Avoid giving kisses on the mouth.
How to ensure the oral health of babies?
To prevent the formation of dental plaque, which is where the cariogenic bacteria “stick”, it is important to remove it. In the first months of life, it is advisable to clean the baby’s mouth with previously moistened gauze or a silicone thimble after breastfeeding or bottle feeding in order to remove traces of milk that could ferment. The area of the gums, cheeks and palate should be cleaned. Probably the first few times the baby does not like it, but little by little you will see how he lets himself clean his mouth. It is advisable to do it at least once a day and especially at night with circular and smooth movements on all surfaces of the mouth.
Once the process of eruption of milk teeth begins, the use of a toothbrush with soft bristles and the appropriate size for the child’s mouth will begin. The application of children’s toothpaste is indicated in small quantities (the size of a pea) but its use will be avoided until the child is already capable of not ingesting it, despite the fact that the toothpaste is children’s.
How to ensure the oral health of babies?
In order to detect the appearance of dental caries as soon as possible, it is advisable to visit the pediatric dentist from the first year of life and thus carry out preventive and educational actions. It will also serve to become familiar with everything related to the dentist’s office. These actions are:
- Teach and acquire both the habit and the correct daily oral hygiene techniques.
- Decrease carbohydrate intake.
- Avoid sharing utensils and thus reduce the probability of early contamination by adult saliva.
Remember that scientific evidence confirms the existence of contamination through saliva, especially from parents to children. Therefore, it is important to insist on oral hygiene for children and adults, make regular visits to the dentist and reinforce preventive measures for contagion
