Looking After Your Children's Teeth

As parents, we begin caring for our children's teeth from the moment that their first little pearly white emerges. As our babies grow into toddlers, we show them how to brush properly and for a sufficient time to do a thorough job. By the time they are school-aged, most youngsters have developed consistent brushing habits. But what we might not be aware of is that often their toothbrushes introduce more germs into their mouths than what they remove.
The Importance of Healthy Toothbrushes
We are careful to protect our children from undue exposure to dangerous germs and bacteria, but very few of us have considered the idea that something as simple as a toothbrush can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Most of us store our toothbrushes uncovered in our bathrooms, arguably the most germ-laden area of the entire house. Additionally, many families place their toothbrushes in a communal mug on the countertop, providing the perfect environment for the transfer of germs from one member's brush to another's.James Song, a biochemist from the University of Wisconsin and author of the book, Why Your Toothbrush May Be Killing You – Slowly, believes that the average toothbrush can harbour enough germs to put its user at an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and chronic infections.
His theory is that when brushing, tiny nicks in the gum tissue provide openings for the introduction of bacteria directly into the bloodstream. Other experts concur; a Manchester University study found that the typical toothbrush harbours about 10 million germs, some of which can be deadly, including E. coli, candida, staphylococci, and streptococcus.
Columbia University Medical Center released the results of a study on oral hygiene and heart disease in February 2006. They discovered that bacteria taken from the mouths of volunteers with heart disease showed that those same bacteria were present in the arteries – scary stuff!
How to Lower the Risks
So what are we to do? We certainly cannot stop brushing our teeth, but there are a few things that you can do to lower the risks for your family:- Never share toothbrushes. Reintroducing our own germs into our mouths each time we brush is bad enough, but using someone else's toothbrush adds a variety of new bacteria.
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush which is less likely to damage gum tissue that a harder bristled brush.
- Consult your dentist for advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques. This is especially important for children, who are establishing lifelong habits.
- Store toothbrushes in individual, sealed containers, preferably inside your medicine chest.
- Replace toothbrushes at least every three months, more often for family members who have been ill or suffer from an immune system disorder.
- Sterilize toothbrushes regularly by immersing them into boiling water.
- Consider purchasing a toothbrush sterilizing unit that plugs into a razor socket. You can purchase one online at www.germterminator.com, which will sterilize toothbrushes in mere seconds.
Re: Sharing a Bedroom
2 questions:- Friend (male) says ex is having her 21 year old daughter & their 5 year old son sharing a room- bunk beds. Daughter has…
Re: Food Safety: Heating, Cooling and Storage
Is it safe to store left overs in the fridge and then put in the freezer the next day. (I've run out of freezer…
Re: Can Mobile Phones Harm Children?
With more and more children requiring devices for schooling, it can become almost necessary for children to have access to…
Re: What Are The Rules Regarding Accidents in a Day Nursery?
My son fell down some stairs at the nursery. But this is the 2nd time it has happened. The…
Re: Which Animals are the Safest Pets for Kids?
So I want a bunny but I need to know if they safe for my one year old sister cuz if they not I can’t get one
Re: Play Equipment: Safety, Standards and Supervision
Hello I am required to complete a risk assessment on a children’s soft play centre for a safety exam…
Re: What Are The Rules Regarding Accidents in a Day Nursery?
My 4 years old son had an injury of his head in nursery. I took him to hospital when they…
Re: Garden Safety for Kids
Hello I’m wondering where I can get lots of leaf let’s as I have 2 teenagers that are doing childcare and need a lot of information about…
Re: Should Children of the Opposite Sex Share a Bedroom?
So I am staying with my friend for the whole quarantine thing since I was already over there when…
Re: Sharing a Bedroom
Me and my wife have a 18month old son of our own and a 12 year (soon to be 13) year old daughter but she has a different dad to my son, is the…