A respected Staten Island dental practitioner, Glenn J. Marie, DDS, offers care to pediatric patients with behavioral conditions such as autism and Down’s syndrome. Glenn J. Marie, DDS, emphasizes a personalized, preventive approach to care.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES OF EARLY
CHILDHOOD CARIES
Glenn J Marie DDS

2. INTRODUCTION
 A respected Staten Island dental practitioner, Glenn J. Marie, DDS,
offers care to pediatric patients with behavioral conditions such as
autism and Down’s syndrome. Glenn J. Marie, DDS, emphasizes a
personalized, preventive approach to care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental
caries is the single most prevalent form of infection among infants. Early
childhood caries (ECC) often come through cariogenic bacteria, which
may be passed on through the saliva of the mother. Reasons for the
infection include sharing food and utensils, intimate contact, and
improper oral hygiene.
Another reason for caries is prolonged and repeated exposure to
fermentable carbohydrates, such as when a baby frequently drinks milk
or juice from a sippy cup. Of particular concern is falling asleep with the
bottle or cup in the mouth, with the baby still feeding. This creates an
environment conducive to caries development due to a decrease in
salivary flow and an increase in contact between the liquid and the tooth
structure.