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National Toothbrush Day falls on June 26^th, and as a parent, you probably understand that daily brushing is crucial to keeping teeth healthy. Still, parents surveyed by Delta Dental admitted that getting their children to brush their teeth regularly is one of the most challenging things they have to get their kids to do. (Brushing teeth even beat helping with household chores and regularly eating vegetables.)

As a leading pediatric dentist in Overland Park, KS, Dr. Matt cares deeply about your child’s smile. So, he’s here to answer your questions about toothbrushes (and anything else you’re curious about as a parent).

How often should I change my child’s toothbrush?

Toothbrushes aren’t meant to last forever. As your child consistently brushes their teeth, you might notice that the bristles begin to fray and take a new shape. This happens as the bristles weaken, making the brush less effective.

Generally, we suggest replacing toothbrushes every three months. However, if your child has recently been sick, swap out their brush for a brand new one. Even if a brush seems clean with bristles intact, it is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria—especially after illness. So, get rid of a brush after feeling sick to prevent reinfection.

Are toothbrushes unsanitary?

Every time you brush your teeth, you transfer germs from your mouth to your toothbrush. Even though it’s uncomfortable to think about, a single toothbrush can hold as many as 1.2 million bacteria as well as yeast fungus, flu virus, and other harmful germs.

While you typically shouldn’t worry too much about getting sick from your toothbrush, follow these steps to keep it as hygienic as possible:

• Don’t share your brush with anyone.
• After brushing, thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with clean water and allow it to air dry.
• If you want to take an extra step in sanitizing your bristles, dip your brush head in a small glass of antibacterial mouthwash.

Should I pick up soft, medium, or hard-bristled toothbrushes for my family?

As a rule of thumb, pick up soft-bristled toothbrushes for your kids. You might be surprised to discover that brushing too hard with a hard-bristled brush can damage enamel and gum tissue—leading to enamel erosion, sensitivity, and receding gums over time.

Are manual or electric toothbrushes better?

The great debate: manual or electric toothbrushes? While both types of brushes are valuable tools that keep teeth and gums clean, electric toothbrushes are a little bit better for a few reasons:

• Electric brushes are more effective at removing plaque and keeping gum tissue healthy
• Many electric toothbrushes have built-in self-timers, encouraging young children to brush their teeth long enough to sufficiently remove plaque.
• Electric brushes might improve focus when brushing and enhance a person’s overall brushing experience.

How should I store my family’s toothbrushes?

Counterproductively, some individuals store their toothbrushes in enclosed containers to protect them from bacteria. This habit traps moisture in a dark environment, creating a petri dish for bacteria and fungi to thrive.

Ideally, we recommend storing toothbrushes upright and in a cabinet to limit contamination. Likewise, don’t let the bristles touch each other. Brush-to-brush contact spreads bacteria.

Ask Us More Questions At Your Next Kid’s Dentist Appointment

Book a children’s dentistry appointment at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, KS, if you have more questions regarding your child’s brushing habits or oral health. Call (913) 685-9990 or message us online today.

When you stroll down the oral care aisle, odds are you’ve seen brightly-colored mouthwashes marketed towards children. As a parent first and consumer second, you might be wondering: Is mouthwash safe to use, or is it necessary? When can my child start using mouthwash? Is my child responsible enough to start using mouthwash? In this blog, we’ll go over what parents should know about mouthwash use.

1. Avoid Mouthwash if Your Child is Younger than 6

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises that children younger than six shouldn’t use mouthwash—unless directed by a dentist. Babies, toddlers, and early Elementary children do not have fully developed swallowing reflexes and risk swallowing mouth rinse. Mouthwash can be toxic if ingested and may induce intoxication, vomiting, and nausea.

Another reason why young children avoid mouthwash is a common active ingredient found in many types of mouthwash: fluoride. Although modest amounts of fluoride can keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free, excessive fluoride can lead to fluorosis. Fluorosis is a cosmetic dentistry issue that typically showcases as white streaks on the teeth. Specifically, children under the age of eight are at risk of developing fluorosis because their adult teeth are still forming beneath their gums. Once your child’s teeth fully emerge, he or she is no longer at risk.

2. Test to See if Your Child is Ready for Mouthwash

Do you think your kid is ready to add mouthwash to their hygiene routine? Here’s one way to find out! First, ask your child to take a sip of water. Next, ask them to wish it around their mouth and spit it in the sink. If your child can manage rinsing with water, they can most likely come to grips with a child-friendly mouthwash.

3. Choose an Alcohol-Free Mouth Rinse

Alcohol is an excellent additive to mouthwash because it can eradicate pesky bacteria plaguing the mouth and along the gumline. On the other hand, kids shouldn’t rinse with alcohol-based mouth rinses. Accidentally swallowing alcohol can negatively impact your child’s developing body, mood, and mind.

4. Always Supervise Children Under the Age of 12

Children below the age of 12 require supervision during oral health activities. Not only to ensure safety but to guarantee that they are using the proper techniques. Usually, children drink liquids (for example, beverages). Albeit rinsing your mouth out might seem simple for adults, there is a bit of a learning curve used to swishing and spitting a liquid rather than swallowing it.

5. Store Mouthwash Out of Your Child’s Reach

Let’s face it. Often, children’s mouthwashes are brightly colored, well-flavored, and might even have their favorite character on the label. This type of marketing might make it tempting for your child to overuse mouth rinses. So, we advise storing it on a high shelf or locking it in a cabinet until your child is mature enough to comprehend that mouthwash is a tool, not a treat!

Your Overland Park Pediatric Dentist Can Help You Decide If Your Child is Ready for Mouthwash

When used correctly,  mouthwash can freshen breath, deep clean, and deliver an extra dose of anti-cavity protection. Ready or not, Dr. Matt can use his expertise to determine if mouthwash can benefit your child’s oral health or if their teeth are healthy and strong without it. Schedule a visit with our patient pediatric dentist by calling (913) 685-9990 or messaging us online.

Children are curious creatures. Maybe your kid noticed gum in your mouth, saw a child chewing gum in a famous family flick, or was given a piece of gum at school—and now they are intrigued. If you’re hesitant about letting your child chew gum, Dr. Matt answers parents’ top questions about their children chewing gum in this guide.

When can my child chew gum?

Let’s face it. It’s no secret that infants and toddlers require extra monitoring of eating habits. Sometimes, very young children are tempted to swallow things that they shouldn’t, including toothpaste, small toys, and (you guessed it) gum.

Because gum can be a choking hazard for young children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not allowing children under 5 to chew gum. At the age of 5, children can be taught the concept of chewing something without swallowing it. Generally, it’s wise to start with a half stick of gum to avoid choking if the gum is inadvertently ingested.

How long does gum stay in the digestive tract?

Gum is designed to be tasty! After chewing on it for quite some time, your child may be enticed to swallow something that tastes so delicious.

Folklore suggests that gum stays in your stomach for seven years before being digested. Luckily, this is an exaggeration and is generally safe if swallowed, even in extreme cases. After eating, most people pass the contents of their stomachs (including chewing gum) 30 to 120 minutes later.

However, the gum base is insoluble, which means the human body does not possess the digestive enzymes that specifically break down gum. Like raw vegetables, seeds, and corn, the gum will eventually evacuate the body the same way it does any other food.

While the gum base shouldn’t usually damage the digestive system, sweeteners in sugar-free gum can cause headaches, diarrhea, and nausea if swallowed in significant quantities.

Which type of chewing gum is the best?

Not all gum is created equal. Although gum with sugar can be flavorful, it’s terrible for the teeth. As your child chews sugary gum, the sugar wears down enamel while feeding cavity-causing bacteria. Therefore, it’s ideal to avoid sugary varieties altogether.

Instead, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends sugar-free gum with the ADA seal of approval. Gums with the ADA seal help fight cavities instead of inducing them!

Are there any health benefits or risks associated with chewing gum?

Chewing gum is more than just something fun for kids to do. You may be surprised to discover that chewing gum in moderation comes with many health benefits, including:

• Reducing the risk of cavities
• Increasing salivary flow and volume
• Easing symptoms of acid reflux
• Burning energy
• Improving memory
• Fighting sleepiness
• Eliminating motion sickness

That being said, chewing gum in moderation is crucial. Additionally, excessive gum chewing and swallowing can lead to:

• Mouth sores (ulcers)
• Digestive tract issues
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Ask the Children’s Dentistry Experts at Smiles Dentistry for Kids

When it comes to your child’s health, no question is too big, small, or silly for Dr. Matt to answer. Come to your child’s next dental appointment with your questions and leave with a smile and satisfaction. Call 913-685-9990 or message us online to book a children’s dental appointment in Overland Park, KS.