Sunday, March 2, 2014

Cavities Contagious? Say It Isn’t So!

Is it possible that cavities can be contagious? Yes, according to recent research studies conducted by the University of Louisville school of Dentistry. Tooth decay or “dental caries” is the one, common most chronic disease to impact children, and now, new research indicates cavities may be infectious. 

Research findings showed mothers with cavities can transmit caries-producing oral bacteria to their infants if they clean their pacifiers by sticking them in their own mouths first, or share utensils with their babies before feeding them. 

Findings of the study were posted on Science Daily® in February. 



As stated by Liliana Rozo D.D.S, an AAPD board certified pediatric dentist and assistant professor, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, “decay can have a detrimental effect on a child's quality of life, performance in school and success in life. According to Ruzo, it is a common mistake for parents to make because they do not make the connection between oral health and overall health, but they are related. “The mouth is an open door for many microbial infections to enter the bloodstream. Poor oral health may be a risk factor for systemic disease.”

Parents are now encouraged to make appointments for their babies with a pediatric dentist as soon as their first teeth erupt through the gums by the The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). This helps parents establish a relationship with their children’s dentist, and help familiarize and inform them about proper hygiene, teething, normal tooth development, and trauma prevention.