Oral Care FAQ's
From Teachers
In what grade should oral care education begin?
Proper at-home oral care begins at birth. Parents should care for their babies' gums even before teeth develop! To that end, we are increasing our educational efforts, as well as distribution of samples and coupons, in pediatricians' offices, so your students will come to you with good habits already established. First grade is a great time to reinforce good dental care with your students, as they are starting to gain responsibility for their own oral health habits.
Why are oral care kits/samples no longer available?
All of the educational resources contained in the kits — and more! — are now available online. Online access is meant to make the program as convenient and flexible as possible, allowing you to customize the program to make it work most effectively for your school and your students.
What kinds of toothbrushes and toothpastes should children use?
Oral-B Kids® toothbrushes are specially designed to meet children's changing oral health needs and different stages of development. For children 2 years and older, Kids' Crest Cavity Protection Sparkle Fun toothpaste contains Fluoristat®, which is gentle on enamel and offers the trusted cavity protection you expect from Crest.
How often should children replace their toothbrushes?
A toothbrush should be replaced at least every three months, when bristles begin to show wear, or after an illness such as a cold or the flu.
What is a good brushing routine for children?
A good brushing routine includes brushing the outer tooth surface of two to three teeth at a time along the gum line, using a gentle, circular motion. Then, move to the next group of two to three teeth and repeat. Brush the insides of the front teeth by tilting the brush vertically and using short, up-and-down, gentle strokes. Don't forget to brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth, and the tongue, too!
Can children younger than 12 use mouth rinse?
Yes, children 6 years and older can use Crest PRO-HEALTH™ Rinse. It kills the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis and bad breath, but without the burn of alcohol — making it safe for the whole family. We suggest supervision for children 6 to 12 years old when using Crest PRO-HEALTH Rinse. Children also can use a fluoride rinse to help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Always read and follow the directions for any mouth rinse that you use.
Please contact us with any additional questions.
From Students
How many teeth do I have?
Most people eventually have 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth.
When will I lose my baby teeth?
Starting at 6 to 7 years, baby teeth loosen and fall out to make room for the permanent teeth. Losing baby teeth is a natural part of growing up, and new, permanent teeth quickly will replace the lost teeth.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth usually appear when you’re between the ages of 18 and 20 at the very back of your mouth. They are called "wisdom teeth" because they appear relatively late in life (as far as teeth go!), when you are presumably wiser.
How can I keep my teeth strong?
Basic oral care requires brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, eating the right kinds of food and visiting your dentist.
What food is good for my teeth?
Your teeth and gums need a balanced diet. That means fruits and vegetables; breads and non-sugary cereals; milk and dairy products; and meat, fish and eggs.
What food is bad for my teeth?
Eating sugary snacks, such as candy bars, cookies and ice cream, and drinking acidic beverages like sports drinks and soda, can lead to tooth decay. That doesn't mean you can't ever eat those kinds of treats; but too much drinking can cause all kinds of problems, including cavities.
Why shouldn't I swallow toothpaste?
This should be avoided because the fluoride in toothpaste is absorbed by the body and can contribute to a condition known as "dental fluorosis," in which fine white lines become visible on teeth.
What's plaque?
Plaque is a nearly colorless film on teeth that contains acid-producing bacteria that cause decay. Eating certain kinds of food — especially food with lots of sugar and starch — can contribute to plaque build-up. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque.
Why do I need to floss?
Brushing your teeth helps remove most dental plaque, but only flossing can remove plaque from between your teeth.
What's a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are caused by plaque.