Kids May Not Always Get Cavity Germs From Mom
March 24, 2009

By Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH -- Cavities are caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans (S. Mutans). Having a lot of S. mutans is linked with having tooth decay.

Past studies have shown that children almost always get these germs from their mothers' mouths. Now, a Brazilian study has found that only half of young children get these germs from their mothers.

Experts say most children acquire S. mutans germs between about 6 months and 30 months of age. Mothers can transfer these germs to their children by kissing or by tasting their children's food and then sharing the same spoon or fork.

This study kept track of 119 nursery-school children for 18 months. During that time, about 40% of these young children were found to have S. mutans in their mouths.

There are many different types of S. mutans. People usually have the same type as whoever transferred the germs to them in the first place.

Researchers in the new study could track all the different types of S. mutans. They found that only half the children had the same type of germs as their mothers did.

They thought that maybe nursery school workers were the source of cavity germs for some children. But none of the children had the same germs as nursery-school workers did.

Researchers did find out that the cavity-causing germs can be transferred from one child to another.

The study appears in the April issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology.