Infants & Toddlers Dental Care

Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection knows as "caries".
Nearly 50% of 6 year old children had a history of decay in the deciduous ‘baby’ teeth.
Hospitalization for dental extractions and restorations are the most common reason for hospital separations for children aged
1-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years than any other reason.
The good news is that this infection is treatable and preventable.

Why do children get cavities?
Cavities are caused by a bacterial infection on the teeth known as “caries”. This infection in children is primarily caused by:
Transmission: this infection is contagious! The most common route of transmission is termed “vertical transmission”, which means parents or primary caregivers infect their children.
Prolonged acidic oral environment: this can be associated with a sugary, or acidic diet, or frequent nursing or bottle feeding. These factors can encourage this acidic bacterial infection.
Lack of good hygiene: keeping the oral environment clean and having an alkaline oral pH is important, even prior to the first tooth erupting.

Xyli-Tots for Children
The Xyli-Tots range of oral health care products have been specifically designed for children of all ages. The Xyli-Tots oral wipes are a convenient way to wipe away the harmful decay causing bacteria and elevate the oral pH after feeds. An ideal solution for infants and toddlers.

Maintaining a healthy oral environment even before the first teeth have errupted is important to your child's oral health. Protect developing teeth and gums, keep them clean and healthy from day one. The Xyli-Tots oral wipes are a convenient way to maintain a healthy oral environment and is an ideal addition for your change bag.

The new Xyli-Tots range of products from CariFree offers parents a new way to prevent tooth decay. Turn teeth time into fun time with the child friendly flavours of grape and watermelon.

One of the key factors in promoting a healthy bacterial balance is to encourage ways to elevate the oral pH, especially following meals or drinks, where the pH naturally lowers. Many products contain acids that encourage the harmful decay causing bacteria to thrive.

Dental Facts
New dental decay affects up to 5 million Australians each year.
Caries is the single most chronic disease among children.
Hospitalization for dental extractions and restorations are the most common reason for hospital separations for children aged
1-4 years, 5-9 years and 10-14 years than any other reason.

Teenagers

  • Teenage children have been identified as being at increased risk of dental disease.
  • Between 40% and 57% of 12–15 year old teenagers had some history of decay in their permanent teeth.
  • On average 12 year old children had slightly more than one decayed, missing and filled permanent tooth per child, while 15 year old children had two decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth on average.
  • The 10% of teenagers with the most extensive history of permanent tooth decay had between five and eight permanent teeth affected, which was about 4.5 times the national average.

Pre-Teen Children

  • Nearly half (48.9%) of 6 year old children had a history of decay in the deciduous ‘baby’ teeth.
  • The 10% of 4–6 year old children with the most extensive history of deciduous tooth decay had more than nine deciduous teeth affected, which was about 4.5 times the national average.
    Source: Dental health of Australia’s teenagers and pre-teen children. The Child Dental Health Survey, Australia 2003–04 (Published 2009)
    Australia’s Health 2006, Australia Institute of Health and Welfare

Expert Advice
Visit a dentist who provides "caries risk assessment and bacterial screening", where they evaluate risk factors that can contribute to you getting cavities and offers treatment beyond "drilling and filling".

Limit your intake of sugar and carbohydrates within your diet, but also consider the frequency of sugary/acid beverages such as fruit juices, cordials, soft drink, etc.

Consider the acidity, the pH, of the dental products you are using.
Do they neutralize your mouth or drive your pH down?
Not all products are the same!
Don't just brush and floss......neutralize your childs mouth!

Supervise a hygiene program for your children including the use of alkaline pH and xylitol products.

Understand that fluoride can be important, but is used to primarily remineralize the enamel and make it stronger. Fluoride can help treat the symptoms, but fluoride's effectiveness at stopping the bacterial infection has limits.