Dr. Wagner
answers some often-asked questions
Q: What exactly is
Xylitol?
A: Xylitol is a natural
sweetener, technically classified as a nutritive sweetener. It is as
sweet as table sugar (sucrose), but is forty percent lower in
calories. Xylitol is produced in nature in small amounts, but can be
manufactured in large amounts from xylose, commonly known as wood
sugar, which is plentiful in wood ( Birch trees) corn and fruits and
vegetables.
Q: Does
breastfeeding at night increase the risk of my baby developing early
childhood tooth decay?
A: The short answer is
"No". Human breast milk does contain lactose (milk sugar), which is
a potential carbohydrate food source for the cavity causing
bacteria, but the immune boosting properties of breast milk seem to
override this. Breast milk protects against ALL infectious diseases
of infancy, including dental cavities. Population based studies do
not support the conclusion that prolonged breastfeeding is linked to
tooth decay. However, if another readily digestable carbohydrate is
offered in the baby's diet when solids are started, such as sucrose
(table sugar) or starch (cereal and bread), the bacteria in the
mouth may grow more rapidly, and overcome the bacteria fighting
substances in breast milk. If oral hygiene is ignored in this
situation, then there is indeed a good chance that your baby will
develop cavities. Use Spiffies to quickly clean your baby's teeth
after a nighttimefeeding and don't forget to gently brush those baby
teeth with a toothbrush first thing in the morning!
Q: How does Xylitol
work to help prevent tooth decay?
A: Most bacteria,
including Streptococcus Mutans germs which live in the mouth and
cause cavities, depend on sugars with six carbon atoms such as
glucose and fructose (which are found in sucrose) for their energy
and growth. On the other hand, Xylitol is derived from a five carbon
sugar, xylose, which is not easily digested by bacteria, and
actually inhibits their growth and proliferation.
Q: What are the
expected results of using Spiffies™ Dental Wipes?
A: Twenty-eight
clinical studies since 1975 on the use of Xylitol in toothpaste,
chewing gum and mouth rinses have demonstrated its effectiveness in
preventing dental caries in children. Because Spiffies™ contain
Xylitol, you can expect the reduction or prevention of early
childhood tooth decay with regular use as directed.
Q: Why should I use
a baby tooth wipe for my baby?
A: Using a Spiffies™
wipe is an efficient way to clean your baby’s teeth and gums,
preventing cavities and disease. Using Spiffies™ after feedings also
helps your baby get accustomed to a regular routine of oral hygiene.
Spiffies™ can be used wherever and whenever you need them. Spiffies
can also be used on a sleeping baby to clean teeth after the last
feeding, without waking baby up. Cleaning the teeth and mouth after
the last feeding, before baby goes to sleep for the night, is very
important. During this longer sleep time, bacteria can grow on
baby's teeth without disruption, especially if there is food
available in the form of milk sugars. Spiffies™ contain Xylitol,
which is proven to prevent these bacteria from growing, which
results in fewer cavities and better overall oral health.
Q: Does Spiffies™
replace the need for brushing?
A: Absolutely not.
Brushing the teeth will always be the most important component of
any oral hygiene program. Dr. Wagner recommends that you begin to
introduce the toothbrush to your child’s mouth between 9 and 12
months of age using water or a small amount of nonfluoride
containing toothpaste. We believe using Spiffies regularly will make
the transition to toothbrushing an easy one. After all, Spiffies™
taste great and baby gets to spend one on one time with Mom or Dad.
Toddlers and
preschoolers able to spit out the toothpaste after brushing may then
advance to fluoride containing toothpaste. Spiffies™ Baby Tooth
wipes are designed to provide an oral hygiene solution for infants
too young to brush, and to supplement oral hygiene practices in the
older child when brushing is not available, for instance, while
traveling or when they are at school.
Q: How do I use
Spiffies™?
A: Just tear open the
individually wrapped baby tooth wipe, wrap it around your finger and
rub the wipe over your baby or child’s gums and teeth. Spiffies™ are
convenient to use anytime for babies, or when brushing is not
possible for toddlers and children.
