Yes - that response is correct.

The correct answer is to prescribe a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse (Peridex, PerioGard) to be used daily during this perinatal period to reduce the number of MS (mutans streptococci) in the saliva of an infected individual.

Studies have also shown that when pregnant women begin rinsing daily with a 0.05 percent sodium fluoride rinse along with the chlorhexidine mouthrinse, that salivary mutans streptococci levels can be reduced and it can delay the colonization of bacteria in their children's mouths for about four months.

Additionally, if the transmission of MS can be prevented until the child reaches the age of 3 or 4, it will cause less damage to the child's teeth as the tooth will be more calcified (due, in part, to the effects of fluoride). Subsequently, a long-term solution to the presence of MS or S. mutans in the mother's oral cavity is needed.