How to Protect Your Baby's Teeth From Cavities
Did you know that cavities are caused by germs that are passed from adult to child?
Babies are born without the bacteria that causes caries- the disease that leads to cavities. They get it from spit that is
passed from their caregiver’s mouth to their own. Caregivers pass on these germs by sharing saliva- by sharing spoons, by
testing foods before feeding it to babies, by cleaning off a pacifier in their mouth instead of with water, and through other
activities where saliva is shared.
These germs can start the process that causes cavities even before babies have teeth, so it’s important to avoid sharing
saliva with your baby right from the start. See below for more tips on how to keep your baby- and your baby’s teeth healthy
and happy.
Click here to download a fact sheet on things you can do to prevent sharing caries bacteria with your child.