The fight against cavities is harder for some children than for others. It could be a matter of genetics or because of a lack of prenatal dental care on the part of the mother, but whether the reason is biological or not certain children are more vulnerable to tooth decay. You may be surprised to learn that infectious bacteria can easily be passed along from mother to child just through physical contact. There are some things we can do however, to help protect those children who are the most susceptible.
Some pediatric dentists advocate the use of xylitol as a substitute for cavity causing sugars. Xylitol is a natural source of sweetness that is typically found in some fruits and vegetables. It is also an ingredient in some over the counter oral health products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes and has proved to be beneficial in increasing the production of saliva, counteracting acids and reducing plaque buildup. Look for these products in your local health food store or find resources on the internet.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has approved the use of xylitol for children and advise that it is most advantageous when used in recommended dosages. Ask your pediatric dentist for her recommendations.
Visit the website of Kaelin Pediatric Dentistry @ www.kids-dental.com to get an impression of just how dedicated Dr. Kaelin is to the care and comfort of her patients and their parents as well.