Being affectionate is a way moms and dads show their love. Showering their little ones with hugs and kisses comes naturally. And so is the drive to make sure they grow up healthy. Unfortunately, gestures of affection—like kissing baby on the mouth—could harm their future health.
According to a study conducted by BioMed Central Oral Health, a mom can transfer oral bacteria by kissing their babies on the lips. This exposes them to germs that could cause dental cavities and other oral health issues.
But it’s not just kissing baby on mouth that poses risks. Even sharing a spoon with your little one during mealtime could be putting them at risk for future cavities.
Don’t kiss baby on mouth! Even sharing a spoon with your baby could spread the bacteria that causes future tooth decay! (image source: shutterstock)
Mom Rachel learned this when her two-year-old was diagnosed with baby teeth cavities. According to their dentist, it could have been the result of kissing her baby on the mouth.
“The dentist handed me this piece of paper that talked about saliva transfer,” the 37-year-old mom told NBC news, recounting how shocked she was.
Like Rachel, a lot of moms and dads aren’t really aware of the risk.
A study in the Journal of the California Dental association further emphasizes the importance of treating dental caries or teeth decay as an “infectious disease.”
It’s never too early to take charge of your child’s dental health. Aside from avoiding kissing baby on mouth, make sure to keep their mouth clean! (image source: file photo)
Take care of your own oral health. Moms and moms-to-be should visit their dentist religiously, brush with flouride toothpaste, and floss regularly.
Brush and floss your child’s milk teeth, as advised by your pediatric dentist.
For any dental health concerns, it’s always best to consult your child’s pediatrician.