tha lifestyle
Dental caries is a common
chronic infectious transmissible
disease resulting from toothadherent specific bacteria,
primarily mutans streptococci
(MS), that metabolize sugars to
produce acid which, over time,
demineralises tooth structure.
for adherence.
MS generally is considered
to be the principal group of
bacterial organisms responsible
for the initiation of dental caries.
MS colonization of an infant
may occur from the time of
birth.
Vertical transmission of MS
from mother to infant is well
documented.
Significant colonization occurs
after dental eruption as teeth
provide non-shedding surfaces
Other surfaces also may
harbour MS. For example, the
furrows of the tongue appear
to be an important ecological
niche in harbouring the bacteria
in predentate infants.
The higher the levels of
maternal salivary MS, the
greater the risk of the infant
being colonized. Along with
salivary levels of MS, mother’s
oral hygiene, periodontal
disease, snack frequency, and
socioeconomic status also
are associated with infant
colonization. Reports indicate
that horizontal transmission
(i.e., transmission between
members of a group such
as siblings of a similar age or
children in a day care centre)
also may be of concern.
Dental caries is a disease that
generally is preventable. Early
risk assessment allows for
identification of parent-infant
groups who are at risk for ECC
and would benefit from early
preventive intervention.
The ultimate goal of early
assessment is the timely
delivery of educational
information to populations at
high risk for developing caries in
order to prevent the need for
later surgical intervention.
Educating the parent on
avoiding saliva-sharing
behaviours (e.g., sharing spoons
and other utensils, sharing cups,
cleaning a dropped pacifier or
toy with their mouth) can help
prevent early colonization of MS
in infants.
| Health & well being
during pregnancy is especially
important for the mother.
Routine professional dental
care for the parent can help
optimize oral health. Removal of
active caries, with subsequent
restoration of remaining tooth
structure, in the parents
suppresses the MS reservoir
and minimizes the transfer
of MS to the infant, thereby
decreasing the infant’s risk of
developing ECC.
Maintaining acceptable level of
oral hygiene such as brushing
with fluoridated toothpaste
and flossing by the parent are
important to help dislodge food
and reduce bacterial plaque
levels.
Dietary education for
the parents includes the
carcinogenicity (causing
caries)of certain foods
and beverages, role of
frequency of consumption
of these substances, and
the demineralization/
remineralisation process.
Using a fluoridated toothpaste
and rinsing with an alcoholfree, over-the-counter mouth
rinse containing 0.05 percent
sodium fluoride once a day or
0.02 percent sodium fluoride
rinse twice a day have been
suggested to help reduce
plaque levels and promote
enamel remineralisation.
Evidence suggests that the use
of xylitol chewing gum (at least
two to three times a day by the
mother) has a significant impact
on mother-child transmission of
MS and decreasing the child’s
caries rate.
Look out for our December
edition for continuation
A comprehensive oral
examination and treatment
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