Mouth germs suck with new dummy

A new baby dummy that claims to prevent bacteria attacking mouths has been given the official stamp of approval.

Leading oral health charity, the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), has given the innovative design the thumbs up.

Recent dental statistics illustrate around half of children under five years old suffering with decayed teeth, better oral care for babies is imperative.

The Foundation has now welcomed a new soother, or dummy, designed to release bacteria-busting xylitol into babies’ mouths.

The invention has been in development at Turku University’s Institute for Dentistry and could reach the market next year.

Xylitol is a naturally-occurring sweetener, and provides a useful substitute for
high-sugar products that can cause tooth decay.

The soother also contains probiotics to boost children’s immune systems.

Chief Executive of the Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter said: ‘Xylitol is a proven way of stopping the bacteria which cause tooth decay from attacking teeth. Some parent dip soothers into sugary fruit juices or honey. This can be very harmful, as it exposes tiny teeth to harmful acids.

‘The link between oral and general health has been proved through scientific research so these new products could become a useful tooth in looking after children’s health.’

The BDHF advise parents to register kids with a dentist as soon as possible, and begin careful brushing of children’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste when the first baby teeth appear.

Visit www.dentobon.com for more information on the new dummy.

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