Monday, January 30, 2012

Do I use a manual or an electric toothbrush? So many choices!

Today there are so many different products out there that it can be a little overwhelming. According to the American Dental Association, manual toothbrushes can be just as good as an electric one. However, it does depend on how it is used. If you’re a person that brushes their teeth well and flosses on a regular basis there really is no need to change what is working for you. The different types of electric toothbrushes make good brushing an easier thing, especially for kids. Kids may be more receptive to brushing with an electric toothbrush that is shaped like their favorite character just because it makes brushing their teeth fun! The one place the manual brushes seem to fall short is in overall oral healthcare. Their electric counterparts are doing a better job of keeping your whole mouth healthy, not just your teeth. In a study done by the ADA, over 16,000 patients were asked to use an electric toothbrush and more than 80% showed a positive effect.  However, other studies have shown that there is not much difference between products when it comes to removing plaque. It seems as though personal preference is the winner here. However, if you are looking for something to aid you in improving your oral health an electric toothbrush may not be a bad idea.

Friday, January 20, 2012

First Tooth Fairy Experience for Parent and Child

Losing your first tooth can be a scary thing as a kid. The Tooth Fairy is there to help with this moment. As a parent, you sometimes wonder, how do you handle the actual losing of the tooth and what is the going rate for a tooth these days anyways?

So, your child has a stubborn tooth that has been loose for what seems like forever! If your child has a loose tooth it is okay to encourage them to wiggle it around in order to help it out or try the biting into an apple trick. However, don’t force it too much. A little pain may result, if so, a cold compress may be used. You may want to have your child rinse their mouth with warm water to get rid of any residual blood. 
Once their tooth makes its way out, it’s time for the Tooth Fairy to make an appearance. This is where you picture “The Rock” in a little tutu delivering money and prizes. In case you haven’t seen it, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, plays the Tooth Fairy in Disney’s movie “The Tooth Fairy”. The going rate for teeth these days ranges from a few quarters to a few dollars. Generally, the first tooth is worth a little more than the rest. There are many ways to have fun with this. For instance, parents can create a special little pillow for the tooth, which makes it a little easier to find and kids have fun with it. The Tooth Fairy even has its own website to help answer any questions that inquiring minds can come up with! (see below). Overall, parents can make a potentially scary moment into a family tradition that kids will have fun with and remember forever.