Research Suggests Cavities Are Contagious
updated 04/23/10 4:10 pm
Many moms test their baby's food before eating it, but research suggests doing so could give your little one a cavity.
Most moms ABC 7 News spoke with say they try their baby's food all the time, but they also said they had no idea the baby's could 'catch' a cavity.
But it's true. In fact, new research suggest parents may be giving their children cavities. You can actually transfer those cavities from your mouth to your child's mouth," said Gena Tribble, researcher.
Dr. Gena Tribble says children aren't going to immediately get cavities from their parents, but if they share spoons, kisses and saliva with their children, it's possible especially if they have a cavity.
Adults can also spread bacteria to each other that causes periodontal disease and a host of other problems. Researcher Gena Tribble says bacteria can cause tooth loss, but it's also linked to heart disease, preterm labor, and complications for diabetics.
"They're really causing a chronic lifelong infection and we need to find out better ways to treat that," Tribble said.
Dr. Sanford Fenton says cavity causing bacteria and periodontal disease are also easily spread by sharing toothbrushes and paste.
"If you share the same toothpaste tube the community tube in the bathroom it can easily spread the germs of bacteria," said Fenton.
Dentists say one way to cut down on the possibility of transferring bacteria to your children is to chew gum containing Xylitol after every meal.
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