Quick Summary
Mothers with high counts of Streptococcus mutans bacteria can pass these cavity-causing bacteria to their children, leading to higher decay rates in infants. Lowering maternal bacteria levels before birth by filling cavities, getting regular professional cleanings, and maintaining consistent home dental care reduces bacteria presence in children and likely decreases their dental decay incidence.
Key Takeaways
- Fill all outstanding cavities before or during pregnancy to reduce the transmission of Streptococcus mutans bacteria to your infant.
- Schedule regular professional dental cleanings to lower overall bacteria counts in your mouth, especially cavity-associated strains.
- Ask your dentist about establishing a rigorous at-home dental care routine that includes brushing and flossing to minimize harmful bacterial presence before your baby is born.
- Recognize that your bacteria levels directly correlate with your child’s bacteria levels, making prenatal dental care a preventive measure for your infant’s oral health.
Q. Is it possible for a mother to pass bacteria and tooth decay to her infant that can cause cavities? If so, what can be done to avoid it?
A. Studies show that a mother with high bacteria counts specific to cavities, especially Streptococcus mutans, will have a child with high bacteria counts. Furthermore, high bacteria counts of Streptococcus mutans are associated with very active decay rates.
Studies show that if a mother takes precautions before the birth of a child and lowers the bacteria presence, her child will have a lower bacteria presence, as well, presumably leading to a lower incidence of dental decay.
If a mother wants to lower her bacteria counts, she should have any outstanding cavities filled, get professional dental cleanings regularly, and maintain a great dental care routine at home. While these things are simple, they make a big difference in the number of bacteria – especially harmful bacteria – in the mouth.
– Mark D. McOmie, D.M.D.
