Quick Facts

• Some medicines contain sugar for taste. If your child is prescribed medicine, ask your doctor if this can be sugar free
• Foods containing sugar substitutes appear to reduce decay-causing bacteria. Ask your dentist if xylitol (a natural sweetener) products would be useful in reducing your children's risk of tooth decay
• Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth and protects against decay. Most towns and cities in Australia add fluoride to the water supply at recommended levels. Your dentist can tell you if your local water supply is fluoridated
• Bottled water doesn't usually contain enough fluoride to offer protection against tooth decay. Some home water filters remove fluoride from tap water. Storage-tank water does not contain fluoride. If your child drinks most of their water from bottled or filtered water or tanks, then talk to your dentist about your child's fluoride needs. If necessary, your dentist can apply "topical" fluoride to their teeth, which has been proven to reduce childhood tooth decay
• Soft drinks can contribute to tooth decay due to the significant amount of sugar they contain. A 600ml bottle can contain up to 13 teaspoons of sugar!
• Less well known is that soft drinks, along with fruit juices, cordials and sports drinks often have high acid levels, and can play a major role in causing tooth erosion
• Encouraging healthy eating and drinking habits in your child is the best way to help them have healthy teeth for life