Parent Bite

The Importance of Parent Oral Health

Many people don’t know that cavities and gum disease prevention for children starts with the birthing parent’s oral health status. Cavities are an infectious disease that can be spread from one person to another. In fact, most babies’ first exposure to streptococci mutans (the bacteria responsible for causing cavities) comes from the birthing parent and /or caretaker. This typically happens when saliva is transferred from the parent or caregiver’s mouth to the baby’s mouth with natural behaviors that you might not think twice about. Doing things like sharing utensils, blowing on food to help it cool down, or even kissing can facilitate the transfer of saliva. Babies are born without any harmful bacteria in their mouths. Once the bacteria is there, the child will be more prone to cavities in their baby and permanent teeth. Remember, baby teeth matter! They play an important role in proper oral development, including chewing, speech, facial development, and more.  

How can you prevent the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria?  

• Keep your own mouth healthy. A diet full of non-sugary foods rich in calcium, phosphorous, and essential vitamins is recommended, along with special attention to brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist regularly.  
• Try to cut back on activities that transfer saliva to the baby. While it may not be possible to cut out all behaviors that expose your baby to a parent’s saliva, consider reducing things like cleaning off your baby’s pacifier with your mouth, sharing toothbrushes and utensils, or pre-chewing food. 
• If you’re expecting, consider chewing Xylitol gum. Several recent studies found that children of pregnant parents who chewed Xylitol gum (starting in the sixth month of pregnancy) were significantly less likely to show the presence of cavity-causing bacteria.

Dental Provider Training Bite

The Effects of Vaping & Cannabis Use on Oral Health

What are the negative oral health effects of vaping/e-cigarettes and cannabis use? Combustible cigarette use is down across all ages, but vaping is on the rise, especially among young people. With recreational cannabis legalization in various parts of the U.S., it’s essential to understand the potential oral health consequences of regular use. While more research is needed on both topics, this course will provide an overview of what we know so far. 

Cannabis and e-Cigarettes (vaping): Health Effects & Advising Patients is a free, 1.5-hour, asynchronous training facilitated by Dr. Barry J. Taylor, DMD of the Oregon Dental Association, and Benjamin W. Chaffee, DDS, MPH, PhD of Dental Public Health at UCSF.  You will learn about the body’s Endocannabinoid System and the effects of cannabinoids on the body, the health implications of vaping and current trends in marketing/regulation, and how to identify communication and oral health communications strategies that work for your patients. Click HERE to get started! 

Community Collaboration Bite

Successful ABCD Training

On May 4th, Snohomish County ABCD and Dr. Paul Kahlon from Stellar Kids Dentistry facilitated a virtual Phase I and Phase II ABCD Provider training. Thirteen people attended, including dentists, registered dental hygienists, and billing staff from across the state. A huge thank you to those who were able to make it! Phase III (providing compassionate dental care for children with special health care needs) is available for those that completed Phase I. This is an asynchronous training that takes about an hour. Click THIS link to get started! 

For those who missed it, or for others interested in taking the training in the future, please reach out to brittany.bevis-sciuto@snoco.org (ABCD Coordinator). Other ABCD trainings take place around Washington regularly, and virtual participation may be available.