Is Your Baby At Risk for Oral Infection? Part I of II

A 2008 study in pediatric dentistry (pedontics) shows that babies and children are at risk for picking up harmful oral bacteria from kissing them on the mouth, and alarmingly, the main people to transfer such bacteria are Moms!  However, this does not mean that you, family members or care givers should not smooch your little one and show affection, but you should be aware of how to reduce this transfer of oral bacteria besides not kissing your child on the mouth.  After your baby’s first tooth erupts, she is susceptible to bacteria found in saliva.  The main bacteria are called streptoccus mutans, and only someone who has the bacteria in their saliva transfers it.  How do you know if you have an aggressive case of streptoccus mutans?  You could have a culture done, but the easiest and least expensive way to know can be told by whether or not you have active tooth decay.  Other ways to take care of yourself and your child include brushing at least twice per day, flossing once per day, and using a mouthwash that kills bacteria, such as Listerine.  Given this information, you might avoid kissing your baby or child on the mouth if you have an infection or if you have not brushed, etc.  It might be wise to ask sitters and caregivers at day care to not kiss your children on the mouth.  Kissing cute babies and children is a hard habit to break, but it is important for optimum pediatric dental health.  Summit Dental Center is a proponent for early and consistent dental care for people from infancy through end of life because taking care of your teeth not only dictates your oral health, but also impacts your overall health and wellbeing.