pediatric dentist Portland - Cavity Infections | Great Grins for KIDS Portland

Cavity Infections

Posted on 10/5/2015 by Fariba Mutschler

Some people tell me that "weak teeth" run in the family. I respond that everyone in the family most likely have an aggressive type of plaque on their teeth. Because cavities are caused by bacteria, they are the result of infection.

Infection with a specific type of bacteria is more likely to lead to a cavity than other types of bacteria. One of the most aggressive bacteria is called Streptococcus mutans. It is related to Strep throat bacteria but grows especially well on teeth.

Everyone who has not grown up inside a bubble will have bacteria and other germs inside their mouths. Where do these germs come from? Usually from your mother.

Now mothers should not be ashamed about this, it is just a fact and babies have to get their germs from someone, it might as well be your mom.

What should mothers do with this knowledge? Get your cavities filled by your dentist and do a really good job brushing and flossing while avoiding starchy or sweet food and drink. And do it before your baby gets their first tooth.
Why go to the bother of getting your mouth healthy? Besides the better breath and appearance of your teeth, the type of bacterial infection you have can be changed over time.

Even if you have slowed down the growth of a cavity by brushing and flossing regularly and using fluoride mouth wash, dentists fill cavities to keep the germs from growing inside the hole where the floss and toothbrush bristles do not reach and keep them from spreading to other places in your mouth.

Good diets and dental care both at home and at your dentists’ office will remove the bad bacteria and replace them with better germs. If you have good germs in your mouth, your baby will most likely get them too!

My daughter was a little nervous to have her dental work done but everyone in the office was super friendly and very reassuring and that helped her nervousness go away. Thanks for the excellent dental experience. ~ Lilyana G.

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Our Dental Blog | Great Grins Pediatric Dentistry - Portland, OR
Dr. Fariba Mutschler & Dr. Mark Mutschler have created this informative blog to help educate the community. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please use the share it button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
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