How to Stop Cavities From Spreading to Your Kid

ALPHARETTA, GA - Are holes contagious? Believe it or not, they are. In fact, the better your teeth are, the better your baby's teeth will be. As a parent, we pass the virus on to our children by sharing drinks, food, utensils, and even refreshments. This does not mean that we should not kiss our children at every opportunity, but we should make sure that we do not pass on harmful viruses to them that can cause them to have holes.

Babies are born without the presence of harmful bacteria in their mouths, but this changes quickly as they begin to develop teeth. Families unknowingly transmit certain infectious diseases called Dental Caries, and unfortunately, this can cause lifelong problems for others. The holes are made by another virus, mutant streptococcus, which eats sugar which will eventually lead to plaque and tooth decay.

When plaque begins to decay, tooth decay quickly follows. More and more children are developing acne these days at an alarming rate for a number of reasons. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Association (AAPD), about 40 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 5 have acne. This is shocking news, but the good news is that the holes in children can be easily blocked. Asking your dentist what to do is the best place to start.

Here are some effective ways to prevent germs from spreading to your baby's mouth and causing cavities:

Keep Your Hands To You!

Children's hands naturally pull into their mouths and everything around them, such as your mouth, the mouths of siblings, a playmate, or relative, where germs are transmitted back and forth in a continuous cycle. When it comes to dental hygiene, sharing is not really caring. Teach your child to be aware of what foods and drinks they share with friends. Make it a practice to wash your hands after exercise and to eat to avoid germs.

Apply Germ

The best way to help prevent cavities in children is to start proper dental hygiene even before their first tooth comes in by gently wiping the gums with a clean cloth after breastfeeding or for each meal to help prevent germs and plaque.

When teeth begin to erupt, it is as simple as brushing your teeth with a gauze or clean cloth after a meal. When they are old enough to talk to you when they are about 3 years old or older, you can start teaching them how to use a toothbrush and a very small amount of toothbrush.

It is generally not recommended to allow children to use toothpaste until they are taught not to swallow toothpaste, and to spit it out during brushing. However, you can start with a toothbrush made especially for children, and by using water instead of toothpaste until they can learn not to swallow. If in doubt, you can always ask your child's dentist about proper dental procedures for children and the early years of brushing teeth. 

Visit the Dentist Regularly

A good rule of thumb is to get a pediatric dentist as soon as your child reaches the age of one, and start getting used to your child's routine dental procedures such as check-ups and office visits with a pediatric dentist and staff. Pediatric dental facilities such as Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry in Alpharetta, Georgia, specialize in making babies and toddlers feel comfortable and at ease.

Your dentist will make sure to let you know that children's oral hygiene starts with taking care of your baby's teeth and gums as you would your own. Take time to clean your gums, or brush your teeth at least twice a day; reducing sugary snacks and eating healthy foods will help reduce the growth of crust and pores in children.

Although tempted, try not to share with children cups of tea, utensils, or toothbrushes; each one should have his own way. Practicing proper oral hygiene for yourself, and teaching all members of your family to participate, will ensure that your baby's teeth start well, at an early age.

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