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HEALTH SENSE
Power toothbrushes vs. ordinary toothbrushes for kids By Dr. Evan L. Wheeler, D.D.S.
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ental experts agree that regular tooth brushing, no matter how high tech or low tech the gadget, and flossing does prevent tooth decay. The technology of power toothbrushes has come a long way in the last 20 years. Kids have many options to choose from that range from Super Mario to Sparkle the Unicorn. The No. 1 Amazon-selling kids power toothbrush is ORAL-B Pro-Health battery-powered Disney’s Frozen. However, I recommend the third bestseller, known as Philips Sonicare for kids rechargeable electric toothbrush. Trying to get your children to brush their teeth can sometimes be quite the struggle, but if you can inspire enthusiasm in children with decorated power toothbrushes, daily brushing becomes easier. The American Dental Association has researched both ordinary and power toothbrushes and has determined that power toothbrushes are better at removing plaque. Plaque is a collection of bacteria that forms on the teeth and produces acid. The acid dissolves tooth structure, which causes cavities. Long-term plaque on teeth can cause gum irritation and inflammation, which contributes to bone loss, also known as periodontitis. All of this can come at a great cost, including your teeth, at the dentist. That is why we highly recommend good oral hygiene habits at home to prevent costly dental visits. The most important thing you can
do for your dental health besides good home care habits is regular exam and cleaning appointments every six months. Your dentist and hygienist can remove the buildup (calculus) on your teeth that is not able to be removed by brushing and flossing. By coming in twice a year, you can head off more-complicated expensive procedures. It is kind of like changing the oil in your vehicle. If you never change the oil, all the sludge and carbon byproduct builds up and damages the engine. Same thing with long-term calculus built up on your teeth. The damage it causes results in your gums bleeding, bone loss and ultimately tooth loss. We have encouraged the use of Philips Sonicare power toothbrushes, and as a result many of our patients’ chair time during hygiene appointments has decreased immensely. And some even call it a spa day for their mouths. I believe that the Philips Sonicare is the most powerful of electric toothbrushes and the most effective. With regular brushing and flossing in combination of periodic dental exam and cleaning appointments, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy. You can prevent costly dental visits and maintain a healthy mouth. Little dental problems turn into big dental problems when
untreated. As a general rule, children up to the age of 7 should have adult supervision while brushing. This is to make sure kids completely clean all surfaces of their teeth, even hard-to-reach places where plaque often accumulates, such as back molars or the lower bottom teeth next to the tongue. Children under 8 do not possess the necessary wrist dexterity to brush as thoroughly as needed. The American Dental Association has more suggestions for parents to help their kids develop good dental habits: • Take your child to see the dentist regularly. First visit should be when incisors erupt or start to grow in, which is normally at about 18 months of age. • Encourage your children to drink from a cup by 12 months. Sippy cups work really well. • Start brushing your kids teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, a pea size amount of toothpaste on a finger brush works really well. • Limit the snacks and sugary drinks, including juices and sports drinks, your child consumes. Make sure there are regular meals. • Never put a baby to bed with a bottle. A child can get baby bottle tooth decay. We know sometimes it does happen, but try to not let it become a habit. • Dental sealants by the age of 6 to prevent the most prevalent decay (pit and fissure decay). • In low fluoride areas, supplements can strengthen the enamel of the tooth and protect it from acid attack, thus reducing decay. Dr. Evan L. Wheeler has been practicing dentistry in Fairbanks since 1997.
AlaskaPulse.com — March 2020 — ALASKA PULSE MONTHLY
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