• Counsel that dental caries is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted from families to child vertically, usually from the mother.
• Limit behaviors that contribute to the vertical transmission of cariogenic bacteria, which includes adult cleaning of the pacifier with their mouth, tasting food before giving it to the baby, sharing utensils, and any other activity that involves the sharing of saliva.
• Fernando’s family should be encouraged to seek dental care for themselves to limit transmission of the bacteria to their child, especially if they have active tooth decay.