Dental Decay and Your Baby

Most people do not realize that dental decay is a communicable disease.  A parent's harmful dental decay causing bacteria can be passed to your baby's mouth, putting your child at an increased risk for cavities.

One of the nation's leading dental benefits providers, Delta Dental Plans Association has determined that less than one third of American caregivers realize that they can pass dental disease to a baby.

You can protect your baby with a little forethought. Let's take a look at the facts.

Tooth decay bacteria called Streptococcus mutans is commonly found in the human oral cavity. This bacteria can be passed when contaminated saliva from an adult enters a child's mouth. Typically, primary care givers and family contaminate the baby.  Streptococcus mutans metabolize sugars and ferment-able carbohydrates into tooth dissolving acids.

1. Brushing, flossing and will help prevent decay by reducing bacteria in the mouth.

2. Reducing the intake of processed sugars, such as in candies, juices and cokes will reduce the colonization of bacteria causing decay.

3. Brushing after eating or at least rinsing with water helps protect against tooth decay leading to dental fillings, crowns, root canals, toothaches, dental emergencies and more.

The doctors at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS, +Suzanna Aguilera DMD and +Garrick McGrath DMD welcome new dental patients to the state of the art facility.