4 cool gadgets to take the battles out of brushing, plus free online resources!
Spiffy Babies
The enamel on baby teeth is thin, so cavities can develop quickly in their tiny mouths, especially when they’re allowed to drift off after nursing. Before putting baby down, “Gently swab the teeth clean with cotton, a finger cot or a wipe specifically designed for this purpose,” instructs Dr. Warren McWilliams, with Kids Care Dental Group. He likes Spiffies ToothWipes, which are soaked in tasty, bacteria-fighting xylitol. Bonus: the sooner babies become accustomed to cleaning, the more likely they’ll cooperate with brushing and flossing as they grow.
$6 and up at Spiffies.com
Sonic Youth
Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes to get all those plaque germs, but time flies when you’re a kid. To help them keep track, a new generation of brushes now incorporate timers into their designs. “We recommend the new Sonicare for Kids toothbrushes,” says Dr. Jeffrey A. Saladin, Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry at Children’s Choice Pediatric Dental Care in Sacramento. “They really motivate children to brush their teeth because they are decorative, fun and very easy to use.” The built-in 2-minute KidTimer and gentle power settings are nice features, too.
$70 at Sonicare.com
First 5 Sacramento's new website connects families and educators with all kinds of great resources, including info on Cover the Kids Insurance (low-cost dental, health and vision coverage) and community-wide efforts to help keep little kids' smiles healthy, plus fact sheets, parent check-lists, tip sheets and more!
$2 and up at FireFlyToothBrush.com
No Strings
If you’re among the 70 percent of Americans who don’t floss regularly, the Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser might be a gadget worth getting. With a gentle setting for sensitive teeth, it is guaranteed to clean deep between those pearlies—even more effectively than traditional string floss. The new “Plus” device offers an updated version of the original (for about $25 more).
$35-$50 at Waterpik.com
The American Dental Association's website is packed with good stuff for parents, kids and teachers. Log on for animated instructional videos, activity sheets and smile charts, and answers to your questions.
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