Pediatrician Dentist - In Your Local Santa Cruz, CA Area

Dental Care: Toothbrush Tips For Kids

There are so many designs for toothbrushes. How does anyone know what to select? Here are some tips from a pediatric dentist to make the right decision and get the most out of your purchase.

Let's begin with preschoolers. Toothbrushes should have extra soft bristles with small, rounded heads. The handles should be larger for a good grip. Some toothbrushes have rubber on the handle to make them slip-proof. A colored area on the bristles indicating the correct amount of toothpaste to dispense can be helpful. Do not permit your preschooler to chew on his or her toothbrush or run with a toothbrush in his or her mouth. You should do the brushing until six years of age. No toothpaste should be used until after age two.

The six-year molars erupt (come in) behind the primary (baby) molars in the back of the mouth. When they begin to erupt, it is time for another toothbrush design. This brush should have a larger head to accommodate the larger permanent teeth and a longer tuft of bristles on the end of the head. As the six-year molars erupt, they are lower than the teeth that are beside them. A toothbrush with a longer set of bristles at the end, an end tuft, is better for cleaning erupting molars.

Around age twelve, when the twelve-year molars are erupting, use the same style brush with an end tuft, but the head should be larger.

During orthodontic treatment, a toothbrush that can clean around the braces is necessary. These brushes will have a short row of bristles in the center and two longer rows on the outside. They will clean around the brackets more effectively. A tiny brush, called an interdental brush, is used for cleaning areas that are hard to reach. Your orthodontist will instruct you regarding the extras needed for good dental care during orthodontic treatment.

All brushes, for all ages, should have soft bristles. Hard bristles are hard on gums. As soon as the bristles look frayed, the toothbrush should be replaced. It is impossible to clean teeth properly with a tattered toothbrush. Replacement may be once a month for some heavy-duty brushers and less often for those with a healthier gentle technique.

All toothbrushes should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water before and after brushing. Rinsing toothbrushes has been shown to reduce the growth of bacteria on the bristles between brushing.

Toothbrushes should be replaced after any illness. If a strep infection is being treated, the toothbrush should be replaced. The strep grows on the toothbrush and can re-infect your child. When you pick up your prescription, also pick up two new toothbrushes. Begin a new toothbrush 24 hours after the antibiotic is started and begin the second toothbrush upon completion of the antibiotic. The same holds true for acrylic orthodontic appliances. They must be disinfected during a strep infection because strep grows on appliances too.

Because viruses and bacteria are growing on the toothbrush bristles during an illness, do not touch the toothpaste tube with the bristles of the toothbrush. Place the toothpaste on a clean finger for transfer, or if the child has herpes, place the toothpaste on a cotton swab for transfer to the toothbrush.

What about the power or electric toothbrushes? Do they do a better job of cleaning? Yes, yes, yes! The first electric brush can be used at age six when children begin to do their own brushing. They must be kept clean and the heads should be changed when the bristles become frayed. The head can be soaked in mouthwash containing alcohol for disinfecting if an illness occurs just after starting to use a new brush. Keep all mouthwash out of the reach of children!

Bedtime brushing is the most important time of day. Morning brushing may be done before breakfast, but after breakfast is more important. After you have purchased the appropriate toothbrush for your child, the only thing left is for you to say, at least twice each day, USE IT!!!

By Jane A. Soxman, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

The Oral Health Hazard of Baby Bottle Syndrome

Baby bottle tooth decay is a condition resulting from frequent and long-term exposure of baby teeth to sugar-containing liquids, from sodas and sweetened drinks to baby formula, milk, fruit juice, and even breast milk. It doesn't matter whether the liquid is artificially sweetened or contains natural sugars. Breast-fed infants with prolonged feeding habits are also at risk in developing this condition. Baby bottle tooth decay may also be called baby bottle syndrome or bottle rot.

Bacteria found in plaque feed off the sugar in these liquids producing an acid byproduct. Acid attacks the gums and teeth, putting children at risk of tooth decay. If left untreated, the potential for pain and infection exists. Long-term effects include crooked teeth, speech problems, poor eating habits, and damaged adult teeth with the potential for tooth loss.

Tips to preventing baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome

• Do not put a child to bed with anything other than water. While an infant may suck on a bottle while falling asleep, it is very important to remove bottles containing either artificial or natural sugars before napping or at night. During sleep, the amount of saliva decreases, and sugars from the drink coat the gums and teeth for an extended amount of time, increasing the chance of cavities.
• Daily cleaning and massaging a child's gums help establish healthy teeth, as well as provide special comfort while teething. At least once a day, moisten a gauze square or washcloth and gently rub your baby's gums.
• As baby teeth appear, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and do not use toothpaste until two years of age.
• Wean children from bottles whenever they can drink from a cup. However, pediatric dentists recommend waiting until children are at least 6 to 12 months to provide adequate time for strengthening facial muscles developed by the sucking motion from a bottle or breast.
• Take "baby" steps for achieving good oral health. To help in the weaning of sugar-containing liquids, gradually dilute the bottle's contents with water over a two- to three-week period. If your child still is using a bottle after that time, fill it with water since it's the only liquid which doesn't pose any risk for baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome. You could also give your child a clean pacifier recommended by your child's dentist. Be sure to check with your child's physician regarding any changes in feeding routines.
• Between the ages of 6 to 12 months, schedule your child's first visit to the pediatric dentist.

Stop baby bottle tooth decay or baby bottle syndrome before it starts! Follow these prevention tips for optimal oral health.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.