Overview
3.1
When a Child Should First Visit the Dentist
3.2
Oral Hygiene Practices
3.3
Feeding and Eating Practices
3.4
Fluoride
3.5
Fluoride Supplements and Fluoride Quantity
3.6
Fluorosis
3.7
Dental Sealants
3.8
Other Preventive Measures
Key Points
Post-Test
Online Resources

Module 3: Prevention of Tooth Decay

3.8 What Other Preventive Measures are Being Investigated?

Fluoride varnish is a topical fluoride-containing lacquer that can be easily “painted” onto the surfaces of a child’s teeth. Professionally applied fluoride varnish is considered by many oral health professionals to be the preferred source of topical fluoride for infants and young children because it is better tolerated and less likely to be swallowed than other forms of topical fluorides.

Xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute used in certain chewing gums and other food products, may reduce the incidence of tooth decay in mothers and children. Short-term exposure to xylitol may be associated with decreased Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) levels in saliva and plaque. In addition to decreasing the incidence of tooth decay, xylitol may also decrease the transmission of S. mutans from mothers or other intimate caregivers to infants and children.

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