Utensil sharing - gah! - Page 2

[T-man's Mama]

Originally Posted by Devaskyla

Yes, it would bother me. That's how the bugs that cause cavities are passed. If they don't have any cavities & never have, whatever, but I've got 1 kid who's already lost 4 teeth due to poor enamel/decay and a baby who has the poor enamel & I'm trying to prevent any decay.

Yes!! I thought I'd remembered reading something like this recently, but couldn't place where. Your post piqued my curiosity enough to actually google this, and I found some interesting articles. Here is an interesting one from MSNBC (March 2010) called "Mom's kiss can spread cavities to baby."

Utensil sharing is also listed on the Mayo Clinic list of risk factors for tooth decay.

So maybe NOBODY should be sharing spoons with my LO, least of all me!!

[sillysmile]

It would bother me too.. like PP said, that's how the bacteria that cause cavities are passed around. I try to avoid sharing my own utensils with her, but still do on occasion.

I was recently on a flight with my 18-month old (lap child), and the guy next to me put his half-finished cup of water up to my kid's lips to take a drink. Now that was wierd.

[ChetMC]

I'd Let It Go

I know that's how the bacteria that cause cavities get passed, but my understanding is that everybody gets them by the time they're four anyway. Chronic tooth decay has a lot more to do with the strength of the enamel on your teeth.

Wouldn't you have to also ban kissing to keep the bacteria out forever?

We have four kids, and they're very close in age. Food and utensil sharing is a battle I've given up on. And if our kids are sharing with each other who am I to stop them from sharing with their aunts and uncles too.