The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold. Of course we all know that kids can easily catch a cold, but cavities? Sounds pretty far fetched. But guess what everyone at our Long Island pediatric dental office knows? Catching a cavity is totally possible — technically.
Say What?!
While your child may not be able to catch the actual cavity, he can definitely exchange bacteria with another person, even you. Kids have a habit of putting almost anything their mouths, and if any one of those things was previously in the mouth of someone who doesn’t have great oral hygiene, there’s a good chance germs are transferred from one mouth to another.
The Trouble with Germs
Germs like to spread, and along with germs usually comes bacteria. Bacteria is the main cavity culprit as it eats away at the protective enamel on teeth, causing decay. Every time your child is exposed to someone else’s saliva, he’s exposed to their bacteria too. Gross, right? Some common ways bacteria is transferred from one person to another include:
Regular Appointments Help
Children and people with compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to infection and cavities from bad oral bacteria. But by keeping regular appointments with your child’s Long Island pediatric dentist, you can help protect that precious smile from the dangers of bacteria.
If it’s more than six months since your child’s last visit to our Long Island pediatric dental office, it’s time to schedule an appointment. We won’t just get his smile sparkling clean with a professional cleaning, we’ll also check him out for any possible signs of decay. If we happen to find anything, there are several preventive measures we can take to further protect tiny teeth such as fluoride treatments and protective sealants.
Don’t allow decay to take away from your little one’s grin, call us today to schedule an appointment.
Serving patients from Long Island, Westbury, and all of Nassau County.
