Help Keep Your Kids Cavity Free in One Step

Did you know that you can pass cavities on to your kids just by sharing a drinking glass!? Yes, cavities can actually be contagious and I learned the hard way.

We have been told over and over that sugary foods cause cavities. Well, that is true, but it is just one of the causes. Another very common cause of dental decay is a pesky bacteria called streptococcus mutans. It produces plaque and acids that break down tooth enamel and cause cavities. The surprising part it is usually transmitted to children by their caregivers. Adults often have high levels of streptococcus mutans lurking in their mouths. Sharing a fork over dinner or an innocent smooch is often enough to pass it on to your child. Imagine the guilt knowing you have given your child a cavity!

I was shocked when I took my four year old to the dentist to find out that he had five cavities. As I was predisposed to cavities I learned that I should not be sharing drinks with my children or anything else that could pass along the bacteria that I carry. If I had known I could have easily prevented it. Of course, good dental hygiene is also a key factor in keeping your child’s dentist visits to a minimum. Here are three additional ways to keep little teeth healthy:

1. Toothpaste with Baking Soda: The whole family should brush with toothpaste that contains baking soda.

2. Fluoride: Have your kids do a fluoride rinse twice a week. Let them pick out the flavor so that they will like the process!

3. Floss: It may not sound fun to floss your toddler's teeth, but it is important to teach them at a young age to make it a healthy habit.

To make sure other parents don’t experience the guilt of passing cavities on to their children visit Sick Bags to bring awareness to streptococcus mutans and other common childhood illnesses. Carry a bag and you will help a kid.