Should You Use Baby Teeth Wipes?

DISCLOSURE: Noelle Copeland RDH is an Oral Care Specialist and Dental Consultant who provides content for Brilliant Oral Care and Baby Buddy.

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

Don't let the name fool you, “Baby Teeth Wipes” are for more than just baby teeth. In fact, a better description might  be mouth wipes, tooth tissues, gum towels, or my personal favorite, “after-snack swipes!” In all actuality, I personally use “Baby Teeth wipes” but mine are labeled as ‘Tooth Tissues’  and I LOVE THEM.

Not only do I use them on myself, but I also use them on my kids and I recommend them to my adult and geriatric patients. So if the question is “Should I use baby teeth wipes ?”, then the answer is a resounding YES!!! But don't reserve these amazing little tissues for just babies. Literally, everyone can use them, and here's why you should use them.

Early Oral Care

Most mouth tissues or tooth tissues are marketed toward babies and toddlers, with good reason and intention. I find that a lot of new parents still don't realize the importance of early oral care efforts. So the oral care industry came up with “Baby Teeth Wipes” that have helped to educate new parents on the value of wiping and cleaning a baby’s mouth after meals.

When you lay the foundation for a healthy mouth by supporting an environment that is ideal for newly erupting “Baby Teeth”, you are helping your child have a healthy start on oral care.

• Start by cleaning your baby's mouth daily after meals.
• Gently wipe baby's gums, inside cheeks, and tongue with a Brilliant Tooth Tissue that’s enhanced with xylitol.
• The physical action of wiping the mouth removes residual milk residue from oral tissues, that if left undisturbed, can build up and feed oral bacteria.
• Xylitol is an active ingredient because it helps to control the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria by inhibiting their ability to multiply and adhere to the gum tissues. Plus, it's safe for infants and young children, unlike fluoride.
• One time use for each disposable tissue. Use for all ages, including adults.

Xylitol

I love xylitol!  It is an amazing addition to any oral care program but it’s especially beneficial in mouth wipes. Xylitol is found in many oral care products and here’s why!

• It is a natural five-carbon sugar alcohol found freely in many fruits, vegetables, and plants.
• Xylitol is produced by the human body, and the human body also produces the enzymes needed to help process xylitol that is ingested in the diet.
• Xylitol has been researched for over 40 years, with thousands of studies confirming its effectiveness and safety
• Xylitol reduces the levels of decay-causing bacteria in the saliva and also acts against the bacteria that cause ear infections and yeast overgrowth.
• Research into the effects of xylitol has led to the discovery that when applied orally, xylitol can inhibit pathogenic bacteria from attaching to the teeth or gum surfaces, and enhance the mineral structure and strength of tooth enamel.
• Xylitol also helps fight the yeast Candida albicans, by reducing its ability to stick to a surface and cause infection in the mouth. This is how Xylitol helps fight acute otitis media ( ear infection), by reducing the adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae to tissues. This is why you will find Xylitol in many nose sprays or throat sprays.
• Xylitol can actually help keep a balanced pH level in the mouth, helping to neutralize the acid produced by bacteria.

Convenience

I'm one of those people who actually keep a toothbrush in her purse. Call me extra but I find it a necessity. I spend a lot of time running errands and kids all over the place and I can't stand having stale or yucky breath. But it's not always convenient to find somewhere to hygienically pull out my toothbrush.

Years ago I started keeping tooth tissues in my bag and it has been one of my favorite life hacks. I can't tell you the number of times one of my kids forgot to brush their teeth before leaving the house in the morning! So instead of sending them off to school with dragon breath that has the potential to knock out a teacher. I pull out a tooth tissue, hand it over and let them run it all over their teeth, gums, and tongue.

 I started to use them on myself as well, especially after finishing my coffee in the car. I hate that stale coffee taste and residue that stays in your mouth afterward but I can't brush after having coffee and you shouldn't either. Coffee is very acidic ( like so many drinks) and it actually causes the protective minerals in your saliva to temporarily reduce, which leaves teeth vulnerable to abrasion. Tooth Brushing immediately after having coffee, over time, can actually cause erosion and abrasion. So I don’t brush after coffee, I use tooth tissues to freshen up.

I've also seen great results from tooth tissue usage in geriatric patients. Toothbrushing is always best but if that can't be performed, for instance, because a patient is unable to open their mouth, using xylitol enhanced tissues on the anterior and buccal surfaces of the teeth, gums, and inside lips is therapeutic and beneficial.

Ways to use Xylitol enhanced Tooth Tissues.

• Use on infants after meals.
• Use on toddlers, anytime but especially after sugary snacks.
• Adults can use it when brushing is not possible, like when traveling or commuting.
• Geriatric and bed-bound patients benefit from the xylitol directly, in addition to how the wiping of the towel over the gum tissues, tongue, and teeth physically removes plaque and bacteria. Xylitol also helps prevent and treat oral fungal infections like candida.

Talk to your dental professional if you are concerned about your oral care. If you were looking for the best way to establish an effective home care routine, you’ve found the right place at Brilliant Oral Care. Our patented round head bristle toothbrush not only removes the plaque on teeth, it simultaneously cleans and removes the plaque and bacteria found on the cheeks, gums, teeth, and tongue. It’s the bristles that make all the difference when performing oral care. Don’t forget to #BRUSHBRILLIANT.

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