Dental caries, commonly referred to as cavities, are one of the most prevalent oral health problems globally, including affecting infants and children.

Research studies have shown that dental caries may be passable from mother to child, which puts infants and young children at risk of developing dental caries even before their teeth have erupted.

What Is Dental Caries?

Dental caries is the gradual demineralization of dental hard tissues by acid produced from bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates in the mouth.

Caries usually starts as white spots on the tooth and can progress to brown or black spots, which may eventually lead to cavitation. The most affected teeth by caries in children are the primary teeth, and the infection could spread to the underlying permanent teeth.

How Does Caries Transfer from Mother to Child?

Dental caries is an infectious disease that can easily transfer from person to person through saliva. Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person’s saliva, such as during kissing, sharing toothbrushes, or feeding habits.

Mothers who have caries-causing bacteria in their mouth can pass them on to their infants. Infants are born without cariogenic bacteria in their mouth and acquire them from caregivers or the environment.

What Are the Risk Factors for Mother-to-Child Caries Transmission?

Several factors increase the risk of mother-to-child transmission of caries. The first risk factor is poor maternal oral hygiene, and high levels of cariogenic bacteria in the mother’s mouth.

Mothers with high levels of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in their mouth have a higher risk of transmitting the bacteria to their infants. The second risk factor is the use of feeding practices that increase the infant’s exposure to the mother’s saliva.

The most common feeding practice associated with caries transmission is the practice of feeding infants with spoons or licking pacifiers before giving them to the infant.

What Are the Symptoms of Caries in Infants and Children?

Early dental caries in infants can be difficult to spot. However, some signs and symptoms may indicate the presence of dental caries, including:.

White spots on the teeth, usually on the upper front teeth
Brown or black spots on the teeth
Difficulty feeding or refusing to eat
Fussiness and irritability

In older children, the symptoms of dental caries are usually more apparent and may include:.

Toothache or pain, especially when eating or drinking
Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
Visible holes or pits in the teeth
Bad breath

Prevention of Mother-to-Child Caries Transmission

Prevention of mother-to-child caries transmission is crucial in reducing the development of dental caries in infants and young children. Here are some measures that can help prevent mother-to-child caries transmission:.

Improve maternal oral hygiene to reduce the number of cariogenic bacteria in the mother’s mouth. Mothers should brush and floss their teeth daily and avoid sharing utensils or toothbrushes
Avoid feeding infants with spoons or licking pacifiers before giving them to the infant. Instead, clean pacifiers and other items with water and avoid sharing them with others
Infants should not be put to bed with bottles or cups containing sugary drinks such as juice or milk. Sucking on a bottle can increase the exposure time of the teeth and gums to the sugary liquid, leading to dental caries
Introduce good oral hygiene habits early in the child’s life. Parents should clean their infant’s mouth with a clean, damp washcloth or a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily, even before the teeth have erupted
Schedule regular dental check-ups for infants and young children to detect dental caries early and prevent extensive damage to the teeth and gums
Provide a balanced diet with limited amounts of sugary or starchy foods and drinks. Encourage the child to drink water and limit sugary drinks and snacks to mealtime only

Conclusion

Dental caries can be easily transferred from mother to child, increasing the risk of developing cavities in infants and young children.

However, preventing mother-to-child caries transmission is possible through improved maternal oral hygiene, avoidance of certain feeding practices, and early introduction of good oral hygiene habits. Early detection and treatment of dental caries are crucial in preventing extensive damage to teeth and gums.

Parents should schedule regular dental check-ups for their infants and young children and practice a balanced diet with limited amounts of sugary and starchy foods and drinks.