Oral Health

Did you know that both toothpaste and mouthwash are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines? Brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings should be a key part of your healthcare regimen. Poor oral or dental hygiene can cause cavities and gingivitis, and has been linked with other health conditions.

Fluoride Safe Use Tips for Parents

• Fluoride supplements should not be given to children 6 months old and younger
• Fluoride toothpaste should not be used with children under age 2
• Do not use too much fluoride. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for kids. (See important tips below.) Too much fluoride causes grey spots to appear on teeth and does not give additional strength to teeth. If you have any questions about the right amount, talk to your healthcare provider
• You should brush your child’s teeth until they are at least 6 years old. Once your child begins brushing their teeth themselves, you should still supervise as necessary to ensure they do not swallow the toothpaste and that they are learning good brushing and flossing habits until they are capable without monitoring

Safe Use Tips for Parents

• Start oral hygiene early in your child’s life
• Use a wet gauze pad to wipe your baby’s gums after each feeding to remove plaque and milk residue. Remember that “baby bottle cavities” can result when an infant is allowed to nurse continuously from a bottle of juice, milk, or sugar water when put to bed
• Soft bristled toothbrushes are recommended for children. A child’s toothbrush is smaller than an adult’s and is available in both a baby size (for children up to age 6 or 7) and a junior size (age 7 to 10)
• Children can usually remove plaque more easily with a brush having short and narrow bristles
• Mouth rinses and mouthwashes can cause serious illness and injury to children if they’re swallowed. These products should be kept out of the reach and sight of children
• Pay special attention to your oral care habits if you are pregnant or nursing and when your child begins teething

Safe Use Tips for Seniors

• Clean dentures thoroughly at least once a day to remove stains, debris, and potentially harmful plaque
• Use a combination of brushing and soaking
• Use only denture cleansers, not household cleaners, to soak your dentures. Household cleaners are not appropriate and may either be ineffective or damage denture material
• Denture cleanser tablets should never be chewed or swallowed, and never put denture cleaning solution in your mouth
• Cleaned dentures should be rinsed with water before being put back in your mouth, and the cleaning solution should be thrown out right away
• Consumers who have irritation or swelling of the throat or mouth after using a denture cleanser should remove dentures immediately; rinse their mouth with water; and call a dentist, other healthcare provider, or the poison control helpline at 800.222.1222 right away.
• Keep denture cleansers out of the reach and sight of children
• Use only moderate force when brushing. Brushing too hard can damage the acrylic resin most dentures are made of