With such poor statistics, the obligation of parents to prevent tooth decay in their children cannot be overemphasized. After all, parents must serve as role models and look after the welfare of their children when it comes to matters of health, of which dental health is a big part. Keep in mind that good dental health is closely connected with good nutrition, good immunity and good mental well-being.

Start During Pregnancy

What many mothers do not realize is that good oral health starts from the moment their babies are conceived, both for mother and child. This is because strep bacteria from dental diseases can be transmitted from the mother to the baby in the womb. Thus, pregnant women are advised to practice good dental practices before and after delivery.

Upon birth, your baby will pick up the strep bacteria from the genitourinary tract while pick-up of said germs after delivery happen from kissing and direct contact with infected saliva. Studies have proven that mothers with frequent strep oral infections because of poor oral hygiene are more likely to infect their babies. Thus, in preventing tooth decay among babies, the mother must be very conscious of dental health.

Breast Milk and Infant Formula in Caries

The most significant modifier in the prevention of tooth decay in babies and children is their diet. Breast milk per se will not lead to tooth decay until such time that solid foods are introduced, in which case, dental hygiene must then be introduced. However, when your child is bottle-fed and carries a filled bottle in his mouth during the day and sleeps with one in his mouth at night, then there is a higher likelihood for inviting tooth decay and the strep bacteria into his mouth.

Start Early with Good Oral Hygiene

Of course, the best way in preventing tooth decay among children is to start them young on good oral hygiene. You have to teach them how to brush their teeth after every meal, use dental floss to clean between the teeth and eat only nutritious food. Sweets like chocolates, candies and soda must be kept to a minimum since their sugar contents are magnets for caries.