Bacteria in Teeth Kids: How Parents Can Pass Harmful Oral Bacteria
At our family dentistry in McKinney, TX, Dr. Lawrence works to help patients better understand the best habits for protecting the health of their teeth and gums. Not only does a healthy smile mean a healthier body, parents can also help to better protect their kids’ oral health if they enjoy quality oral health. Maintaining a child’s oral health is crucial to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease associated with dental plaque buildup.
Adults with periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can pass bacteria that can cause future cases of gum disease on to their children. That bacteria can then remain in a child’s mouth even after they undergo treatment. The fact parents can pass negative oral health traits on to their children reinforces the need for preventive dental care within the first year of a child’s life, claim a research team from the University of Campinas in Sao Paulo.
The results of this latest study were recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Introduction to Oral Health
Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it is essential to understand the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices from an early age. Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is a common issue that affects many children’s teeth, and it can have severe consequences if left untreated. Preventing tooth decay is crucial, and it involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups. Children’s teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay due to their developing tooth structure and the presence of harmful oral bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. By instilling good oral hygiene habits early on, parents can help ensure their children maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.
Understanding Oral Bacteria
Oral bacteria play a significant role in the development of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Streptococcus mutans is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the human oral cavity and is known to contribute to the formation of dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate on the tooth surface and lead to the production of acids that damage tooth enamel. Understanding the role of oral bacteria in tooth decay is essential for developing effective strategies for preventing tooth decay and promoting good oral health. By controlling the levels of harmful oral bacteria, parents can help protect their children’s teeth from decay and other dental problems.
Parents’ Oral Health a Transferable Trait
Severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium, the soft tissues in the mouth that support the teeth and the underlying bone structure that holds everything in position. The disease is caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms including bleeding gums and swollen and sensitive gum tissue. In extreme cases, the infection causes teeth to begin moving and shifting in the mouth, with eventual tooth loss the outcome.
If the bacteria responsible for gum disease enters a patient’s bloodstream, the bacteria may travel to other points of the body and cause inflammation. These bacteria can lead to infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems due to other medical conditions. Inflammation that takes roots in the heart or brain can lead to the development of heart disease or stroke.
Reducing the risk of periodontitis requires receiving dental care at our family dentistry in McKinney, TX. During visits, patients will receive a cleaning of the pockets along the gum line where harmful oral bacteria may buildup and contribute to the development of gum disease.
“The parents’ oral microbiome is a determinant of the subgingival microbial colonization of their children,” wrote the research team. Researchers noted that parents with periodontitis can pass along the harmful bacteria to their children’s mouth. Not only do the kids receive this bacteria, they receive an incredibly resilient strain that remains viable in the mouth even after a cleaning.
While the mother was more likely to pass the genetic markers for harmful oral bacteria on to their children, researchers found that a father could also pass on the bacterial profile.
“Because the parents had periodontitis, their children assumed this community with disease characteristics,” wrote the team.
The results of this study suggest that parents need to make their own oral health a priority, especially the mother, in order to reduce their kids’ risk of developing their oral health with a predisposition to disease.
Role of Dental Plaque
Dental plaque is a biofilm that forms on the tooth surface and is composed of bacteria, saliva, and other substances. It is a major contributor to tooth decay and gum disease, and its formation is influenced by factors such as poor oral hygiene, sugary diets, and the presence of harmful bacteria. The role of dental plaque in tooth decay is complex, and it involves the interaction of multiple bacterial species and the production of acids that damage tooth enamel. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove dental plaque and prevent its formation, but early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing the progression of tooth decay. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices, parents can help their children avoid the negative effects of dental plaque and keep their teeth healthy.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of tooth decay is critical for preventing its progression and promoting good oral health. Regular dental check-ups are essential for identifying early signs of tooth decay, and they can help dental professionals develop effective treatment plans. Pediatric dentistry plays a crucial role in promoting good oral health in children, and it involves a combination of education, prevention, and treatment. By understanding the importance of early detection and taking steps to prevent tooth decay, parents and caregivers can help their children develop good oral hygiene practices and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Regular brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and encouraging healthy eating habits are all essential for preventing tooth decay and promoting good oral health. Ensuring that children visit the dentist regularly can help catch any issues early and provide the necessary care to keep their smiles bright and healthy.
A Healthy Mouth for the Entire Family
Transferring harmful oral bacteria from parent to child can occur in multiple ways, not just genetically. Contaminated drinking water can also play a role in oral health, posing risks to both children and adults.
For example, if a parent washes off a pacifier or bottle nipple by placing the item in their own mouth, the bacteria present can hitch a ride and move onto the mouth of a child. If a parent has gum disease, this simple act can facilitate the transfer of harmful oral bacteria from their mouth to that of their child, impacting the health of their permanent teeth.
As a general rule, parents are not recommended to place anything in both their mouth and the mouth of their child to prevent this type of spread. Poor oral hygiene and frequent sugar consumption are significant risk factors for bacterial transfer and tooth decay.
Additionally, both members of the family should continue to receive regular dental care at our family dentistry in McKinney, TX. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents schedule their child’s first dental appointment by the age of one. While this may seem like an early age for kids to visit the dentist, early appointments offer a variety of advantages.
By taking a child to see Dr. Lawrence early on in their oral development, they can begin to get more comfortable with visiting a dentist and avoid any anxiety that kids can experience if their first visit isn’t until later in life. Early care also allows Dr. Lawrence to closely monitor and track a child’s oral health development so he can spot any troubling signs early on and treat them accordingly.
Enjoying a health smile that lasts a lifetime requires receiving regular dental care from a young age. To ensure your child enjoys a healthy, attractive smile, take the first step by ensuring your own smile remains as healthy as possible.