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Oral Bacteria

Where Cavity Causing Bacteria Come From

Written by Scott Frey on . Posted in Keeping Kids Healthy, Oral Health.

Main Sources of Cavity Causing Bacteria

1. Primary Caregivers aka Mom & Dad
Parents are the biggest determinants of oral health in their children.
2. Siblings & Friends
Although the impact is not nearly as significant as with parents, children can get bacteria from their siblings and their friends. This is more of an important factor when a child is in daycare.
Oral Bacteria

What You Can Do About It

As parents reducing bacterial loads in your saliva is the best way to prevent vertical transmission of cavity causing bacteria to your child. Follow the protocol we established last week to control your child’s bacterial exposure.
You can also limit the sharing of utensils, tasting your child’s food with the same spoon, and other unnecessary transfers of saliva until your child is a bit older and you are able to brush your child’s teeth very effectively (anyone who has tried to brush a one year old’s teeth knows exactly what I am talking about). Also relax, you don’t need to be overly germaphobic.

Scott Frey

Scott Frey is a renowned Orthodontist, professional speaker, and founder of the More than Smiles Movement.