Babies Oral Care Can Prevent Future Cavities

A recent study performed by scientists from the University of Illinois confirms the presence of bacteria associated with early childhood caries (ECC) in infant saliva.  Now there is one more reason for parents to pay more attention to the oral health of their children.

Early childhood caries is a virulent form of caries, which is more often known as tooth decay or a cavity.  In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is the most widespread infectious disease among U.S. children.

AAP and CPS Recommendations on Dental Care

In a new policy statement, "Early Childhood Caries in Indigenous Communities," were provided recommendations for the prevention of dental disease in young children and pregnant women.

AAP and CPS recommendations are as follows:

• Use well-child visits to educate parents and caregivers of infants and children on proper oral hygiene and diet.
• Promote supervised use of fluoridated toothpaste in all indigenous and other high-risk children after the first tooth has erupted.
• Provide pregnant indigenous women access to prenatal screening for dental health, and referral for dental care if needed.

Tooth Decay Among Indigenous Children of U.S. and Canada

Not long ago we told you that one of the most common infectious diseases among indigenous children of the United States and Canada is early childhood tooth decay.  The James Irvine's statement claiming that "The influence of early childhood caries on overall childhood health and well being goes well beyond the mouth, and many of our indigenous children have not benefited fully from the many advances to improve oral health in North American children," stresses the need for indigenous children to have access to early oral health care.

"Many physicians continue to view early childhood caries as a dental problem to be treated by dentists," noted Steve Holve, MD, FAAP, another co-author.

New Insight on the Microbiota Of Severe ECC

Not so long ago, the researchers at The Forsyth Institute, made an incredible discovery concerning the nature of childhood dental disease. Thanks to scientific studies by Anne Tanner, BDS, who identified a new pathogen, related to severe early childhood caries (ECC); the progression of disease may now be intervened with and even halted. This bacterium, "Scardovia Wiggsiae," was present in the mouths of children with severe early childhood caries even considering the fact that there were no pathogens like Streptococcus mutant(s) detected.