Dental caries is widely recognised as an infectious
disease induced by diet. The main players in the aetiology
of the disease are; a) cariogenic bacteria,
b) fermentable carbohydrates, c) a susceptible tooth and
host and d) time. However, in young children bacterial
flora and host defence systems are in the process of
being developed, tooth surfaces are newly erupted and
may show hypoplastic defects, and their parents must
negotiate the dietary transition through breast/bottle feeding,
first solids and childhood tastes. Thus it is thought
that there may be unique risk factors for caries in infants
and young children (Seow, 1998).