Cariogenic bacteria (including streptococci mutans and lactobacilli) are transferred two ways:
The higher the bacteria level in the caregiver's mouth, the more likely the child will become colonized with mutans streptococci.
Caregivers with high bacteria levels usually have:
Evidence supports that caregivers can decrease their risk of passing on cariogenic bacteria to their children by decreasing their own caries levels.
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