The problem of tooth decay does not depend exclusively on good oral hygiene, or at least not only on the hygiene of babies and children. Cavities can be spread, and therefore the elderly must be careful in not transmitting cavities to the baby or children.
That is why it is very important to prevent cavities, not only from the moment the first teeth come out, but even much sooner: caries prevention begins when the pregnant woman and her partner take care of their teeth, treat their cavities, follow a Healthy diet and have proper dental hygiene.
Caries is an infectious disease of the teeth that can be transmitted. In the mouth can occur, due to lack of hygiene and excess sugar in the diet, a proliferation of the bacteria that cause decay, and if these bacteria are transmitted to the newborn, they are already · colonizing the mouth ”and can be produce cavities, even in the first teeth.
Therefore, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics recommends these parents and caregivers basic hygiene measures to avoid transmitting caries-producing bacteria to babies:
- Have a good dental hygiene.
- Do not share utensils with the child such as glasses, spoons or toothbrushes.
- Do not clean the pacifier in your mouth to pass it to the child.
- Use xylitol gum that decreases the number of bacteria in adults' mouths.
In addition, to reduce the sugars in contact with the teeth it is advisable to never let the child sleep with a bottle of milk or any other sugary liquid to avoid caries of the bottle, and better to give the food in arms. Of course, never wet the pacifier in sugar, honey, sweet liquids ...
As we see, the tips for the care of baby teeth begin before that first tooth has come out and depend on the hygiene and habits of the parents. In this way not transmitting cavities to the baby It is simpler, and we enhance good oral hygiene habits that in the future they will learn from us.
