Parents should start decay prevention before babies get teeth
Most dentists advise parents to look after their child’s teeth and gums from an early age, but a study has suggested that decay prevention should start before a baby’s teeth erupt.
The study, which was conducted at the University of Illinois, focused on babies who did not have any teeth; the team analysed the DNA population in their mouths and recorded the results. Lead researcher, Professor Kelly Swanson, said that the findings of the study were very interesting, as the DNA population was much more varied than anticipated. He added that the results had shown that the “window of infectivity”, which was previously believed to be present between 19 and 33 months of age, actually occurred much earlier than this.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry already advises parents to wipe their baby’s gums before their teeth erupt; however, similar guidelines have not been published in the UK.
Janet Clarke, from the British Dental Association, said that the findings of the study were very interesting but further research was needed to support the results. She added that the most important thing was for parents to avoid giving their children foods that are acidic or sugary, as these foods increase the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
The results of the University of Illinois study are less likely to apply to babies who have been breastfed, as breast milk is full of antibodies, which help to fight bacteria; formula milk, which is often the alternative to breast milk, also tends to contain sugar.
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