As a mom, I want the best for my son but in my opinion it's hard to give the best if you don't have the resources and if you are not aware of the basic things with regards to health and wellness. Our child's health is the top most priority especially in their growing up years. I admit that I only knew few things about raising a child when I got pregnant but I've learned a lot from everyday experiences. But there's one thing that I think I've taken for granted in Kenzo's health- the oral care department.
Brushing thrice a day is not enough. There are more things that I need to know and learn about child's oral care. There are myths that I need to debunk and there are so much more to learn in children's oral care that I need to start teaching my son so that he will be equipped with proper knowledge as he grow up. My parents were so busy back then that's why I admit that I don't have healthy smiles growing up. In this post, I will share with you all the important things about children's oral care that I've learned during our quiz-off with Colgate.
Colgate took oral care awareness to a higher notch when it held the “Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives” quiz-off last August 26, Wednesday, at the Seda Hotel in BGC. The invited mommy bloggers had a blast during the quiz night style event. I'm so glad that I was invited in this kind of test-you-knowledge kind of event. I learned a lot from the basics of oral care to the most confusing and complicated ones.
“Oral care is and will always be one of the core aspects of a child’s health and well-being. By presenting facts and debunking oral health myths in an engaging way, we are making it relevant to the representatives of new-age moms, the bloggers,” shares Robillo.
“Oral care is and will always be one of the core aspects of a child’s health and well-being. By presenting facts and debunking oral health myths in an engaging way, we are making it relevant to the representatives of new-age moms, the bloggers,” shares Robillo.
Colgate’s resident dentists, Dr. Bong David, Dr. Louie Quiambaoand Dr. Noel Luna, as well as the BSBF/Public Health/Professional Oral Care Digital Manager, Diomar Escat, also busted some general myths and misconceptions, and even shared useful trivia about kids’ oral care.
HERE ARE THE FACTS/TRUTH everyone should know about oral care:
HERE ARE THE FACTS/TRUTH everyone should know about oral care:
1. The perfect angle to tilt the toothbrush is 45 degrees for optimal reach.
2. It is best to rinse with a non-alcohol based mouthwash before brushing your teeth.
3. The acidity of your food or drink must be considered before brushing your teeth.
We all know that we need to brush our teeth right after eating so that we'll get rid of the bacteria that sugary foods leave in our mouth. BUT there are instances that brushing our teeth right after eating can affect our tooth enamel. That's why we have to consider first the acidity of food or drink before brushing our teeth.
Recent studies shows that 9 out of 10 Filipino children have cavities. This number only shows that there's a negligence in the family about children's oral health. Colgate is here to help and they have a campaign to raise awareness in oral health and hygiene.
So how do you brush your teeth? Are you doing it the right way? Think again. You have to tilt the toothbrush in 45 degrees like what you see in the photo below. After brushing SPIT- yes, SPIT DO NOT GARGLE with water then spit again. Gah, for the past 30 years of my life I'm doing the brush, gargle, and spit ritual.
This is so wrong according to Colgate's resident dentists. Gargling with water defeats the purpose of your toothpaste. It will only rinse the fluoride that will protect our teeth from oral cavities. NOW I KNOW!!!! After the event, I always make sure that I just spit the remaining toothpaste in my mouth. No rinsing at all. It feels odd at first but after a week, I get used to it already :)
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Model of a child's teeth |
Another thing is to use soft bristle toothbrush and brush your teeth for 2 minutes. Use a sweeping motion in upper and lower front and back part of the teeth. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes for the outer and inner chewing surfaces of the teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue too.
Colgate has a wide range of toothbrushes suitable for your oral care needs. This Colgate Slim Soft toothbrush is the newest addition that will give a deeper and healthier clean.
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Colgate Slimsoft Charcoal Toothbrush |
A non-alcohol or alcohol based mouthwash doesn't matter as long as you use your mouthwash before brushing your teeth. Why? Using mouthwash after brushing will defeat the purpose of fluoride toothpaste. It will just rinse the fluoride that protects our teeth. Also, using mouthwash before brushing will loosen up the particles stuck in our teeth.
You can use Colgate Plax mouthwash for a cleaner, fresher, and healthier mouth. It cleans hard to reach places in your mouth. Kills bacteria up to 99.9%, protects for 12 hours and there's no burning sensation like other brands in the market.
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Colgate Plax Peppermint Mouthwash |
We all know that we need to brush our teeth right after eating so that we'll get rid of the bacteria that sugary foods leave in our mouth. BUT there are instances that brushing our teeth right after eating can affect our tooth enamel. That's why we have to consider first the acidity of food or drink before brushing our teeth.
According to the Mayo Clinic, if you've consumed anything acidic, you should avoid brushing your teeth for at least 30 minutes. Foods containing citric acid, like oranges, grapefruits and lemons, weaken tooth enamel. Brushing too soon after eating them can damage the enamel in its weakened state. Consequently, it's a good idea to brush your teeth before eating an acidic food and to drink a glass of water when you are finished to wash away the acids. As an alternative to waiting to brush your teeth, try eating nutritious foods that are low in carbohydrates and sugar after eating something acidic. This will help reduce the harmful acids that such foods can create.4. 9/10 Filipino children have cavities.
Recent studies shows that 9 out of 10 Filipino children have cavities. This number only shows that there's a negligence in the family about children's oral health. Colgate is here to help and they have a campaign to raise awareness in oral health and hygiene.
5. The ideal length of floss is 20 inches.
I'm guilty! I don't floss my teeth everyday. It is recommended to floss your teeth everyday so that particles of food that is stuck in between your teeth will loosen up to totally get rid off.
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Colgate Total Mint Dental Floss |
6. There are 500-650 types of bacteria species living in the oral cavity.
How many is that? Lots. That's why it is very important to know the do's and dont's about oral health in children and in general as well.
7. Mouthwash takes care of the spaces inside the mouth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Yes this is true that's why it is recommended to use mouthwash before brushing your teeth. Or if you can't do this before brushing your teeth, wait at least 1 hour after brushing so that fluoride from your tooth paste will be absorbed by your teeth first before your mouthwash rinse them.
8. Tooth stains are caused by internal and external factors.
Stains are caused by external factors like coffee, tea, and wine. If you smoke, your teeth will get those nasty stains too. Not only that, there are internal factors that can stain teeth and it includes tetracyline, a known antibiotic that treats acne. If you're a long time user of this medicine, then you're teeth are prone to stains.
9. Primary or "baby" teeth can get cavities that spread to other teeth, if left untreated.
Baby teeth can get cavities, obviously from the milk. If left untreated, bacteria from oral cavities will spread to other tooth and will be prone to cavities. More details about children oral care below.
Baby teeth can get cavities, obviously from the milk. If left untreated, bacteria from oral cavities will spread to other tooth and will be prone to cavities. More details about children oral care below.
SOME FACTS AND MYTHS ON CHILDREN’S ORAL CARE
1. Retain the milk teeth as much as possible.
If you're thinking that you need to get rid of that milk teeth right away, think again. These primary teeth will serve as a guide on your child's permanent teeth. That's why as long as the milk teeth are intact, let it stay there. If your child's teeth have cavities, visit the dentist immediately. He/she will assess the condition of your child's teeth. If there are holes due to cavities, it is best to have a tooth filling to cover the cavities. Extraction is not advisable as long as there's no sign of permanent teeth coming out yet.
If you're thinking that you need to get rid of that milk teeth right away, think again. These primary teeth will serve as a guide on your child's permanent teeth. That's why as long as the milk teeth are intact, let it stay there. If your child's teeth have cavities, visit the dentist immediately. He/she will assess the condition of your child's teeth. If there are holes due to cavities, it is best to have a tooth filling to cover the cavities. Extraction is not advisable as long as there's no sign of permanent teeth coming out yet.
2. Bring your child to the dental clinic at an early age.
You may say at 1, 2, or 3, years old right? But it is best to bring your child to the dentist as soon as you see a tooth at 6 months perhaps? Yes, you should bring your child to the dentist at an early age so that he/she will get familiar to the place. Don't bring them if your child is in pain, it will not be a happy trip to the dentist if for the first visit, their teeth will undergo filling or extraction.
You may say at 1, 2, or 3, years old right? But it is best to bring your child to the dentist as soon as you see a tooth at 6 months perhaps? Yes, you should bring your child to the dentist at an early age so that he/she will get familiar to the place. Don't bring them if your child is in pain, it will not be a happy trip to the dentist if for the first visit, their teeth will undergo filling or extraction.
3. Babies Can’t Get Cavities.
As I've said above YES they get cavities. From the formula milk they drink and if they are already eating solid food at 6 months.
As I've said above YES they get cavities. From the formula milk they drink and if they are already eating solid food at 6 months.
4. Once a Tooth Is Treated, the Decay Stops.
The decay stops as long as you practice strict and proper oral hygiene. But nobody's perfect. We can't prevent our little ones crave for sweets. We can't stop them from eating candies but we can prevent them from getting cavities by teaching them at an early age the importance of oral hygiene.
The decay stops as long as you practice strict and proper oral hygiene. But nobody's perfect. We can't prevent our little ones crave for sweets. We can't stop them from eating candies but we can prevent them from getting cavities by teaching them at an early age the importance of oral hygiene.
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Kenzo and his Colgate Spiderman Toothpaste |
5. What amount of toothpaste is appropriate for young ones?
It is best to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste for our little ones. If they still don't know how to spit, Colgate's anti-cavity toothpaste for kids is highly recommended. There's Colgate Spiderman Toothpaste that makes brushing fun everyday. It comes in bubble fruit flavor in a sparkling blue gel that gently cleans young teeth and helps protect against cavities. It only contains around 550 ppm fluoride so it's safe for kids who can't spit toothpaste. For the little girls, there's also a Colgate Barbie Toothpaste to make brushing fun and exciting!
It is best to use a pea-size amount of toothpaste for our little ones. If they still don't know how to spit, Colgate's anti-cavity toothpaste for kids is highly recommended. There's Colgate Spiderman Toothpaste that makes brushing fun everyday. It comes in bubble fruit flavor in a sparkling blue gel that gently cleans young teeth and helps protect against cavities. It only contains around 550 ppm fluoride so it's safe for kids who can't spit toothpaste. For the little girls, there's also a Colgate Barbie Toothpaste to make brushing fun and exciting!
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Colgate Toothpaste for Kids |
6. Sugar Is the Only Thing That Causes Cavities.
NO. It is not only sugar that causes cavities but the acid-producing bacteria in our mouth that feast on carbohydrates like starch from food that we love like bread or potato chips. Bacteria loves them too!
Good news! Colgate's newest variant of toothpaste that can neutralize sugar acid is here. So if your child can and knows how to spit, you can share this toothpaste variant with them. Remember: share this with them if they really know how to spit to avoid ingestion large amounts of fluoride.
NO. It is not only sugar that causes cavities but the acid-producing bacteria in our mouth that feast on carbohydrates like starch from food that we love like bread or potato chips. Bacteria loves them too!
Good news! Colgate's newest variant of toothpaste that can neutralize sugar acid is here. So if your child can and knows how to spit, you can share this toothpaste variant with them. Remember: share this with them if they really know how to spit to avoid ingestion large amounts of fluoride.
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Colgate Sugar Acid Neutralizer Toothpaste |
7. Aspirin Next to a Tooth Will Help a Toothache
I'm not sure if you're familiar with this but placing an Aspirin like Medicol inside the cavities will help a toothache go away. Aspirin is a pain reliever, it will relieve the pain of the aching tooth caused by cavities but it will not treat the underlying cause of your toothache. Visit the dentist for the best treatment. Always remember to brush your child's teeth everyday. It's the first defense against cavities. Kenzo's supporting Colgate's campaign for zero cavities :)
I'm not sure if you're familiar with this but placing an Aspirin like Medicol inside the cavities will help a toothache go away. Aspirin is a pain reliever, it will relieve the pain of the aching tooth caused by cavities but it will not treat the underlying cause of your toothache. Visit the dentist for the best treatment. Always remember to brush your child's teeth everyday. It's the first defense against cavities. Kenzo's supporting Colgate's campaign for zero cavities :)
Colgate Healthy Smiles for Healthy Lives Mommy Bloggers Event Colgate for ZERO CAVITIES! |
8. When is my child ready to get orthodontic braces?
Your dentist will help in assessing the right age to get braces but as early as 6 years old, if the condition of the teeth says so, then you can give it a shot.
This post is a bit lengthy because I really, really learned a lot! There are other things I want to share like the sealant and fluoride varnish but that will be on my next post. I want to thank Colgate Philippines for having me. The bloggers’ event serves as one of the toothpaste brand’s efforts to keep parents abreast about the importance of proper oral health for them and the rest of the family.
Your dentist will help in assessing the right age to get braces but as early as 6 years old, if the condition of the teeth says so, then you can give it a shot.
This post is a bit lengthy because I really, really learned a lot! There are other things I want to share like the sealant and fluoride varnish but that will be on my next post. I want to thank Colgate Philippines for having me. The bloggers’ event serves as one of the toothpaste brand’s efforts to keep parents abreast about the importance of proper oral health for them and the rest of the family.
For more information about Colgate- their products, oral care tips and other important facts about oral hygeiene visit their Oral Care Center:
www.colgate.ph
Good Times!~
I should start encouraging my girls to start flossing esp now na permanent teeth na ang iba nila.
ReplyDeleteHi Mitchteryosa,
DeleteYes, one of the basic steps in good oral hygeiene. Thank you!
I saw this on my newsfeed on instagram and I was like this is so cool. I have always been a fan of crest until one day we saw colgate on sale and never went back.
ReplyDeleteHi Kita,
DeleteThanks for this and yes to Colgate :)
This some very important information that we all have, but are lazy at time to use. Thank you so much for point out the dental tips. I need to go back and make sure that my kids are doing the correct technique and that they floss more. I know I fail in the flossing section.
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteYes, this is very important nowadays. We need to practice oral hygiene to have a healthy and sound body too. The kids must learn how to floss their teeth everyday.
We love Colgate in our house. I have been working hard with my kids to get them to take proper care of their mouths. I hadn’t seen Colgate with Spiderman yet my son will flip for that.
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteThank you so much for sharing your thoughts. I think they reformulated or replaced it with a new packaging.
This is all great advice. Dental health education needs to start young so their teeth last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Cynthia,
DeleteWelcome and you are correct to dental health that will last a lifetime.
We have always believed in oral care. From brushing babies gums all the way up to the girls growing up and being on their own. It's important to have a great routine. It's wonderful that Colgate does these programs and you can spread the word.
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteYay, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I agree on everything you said about oral care.
Now that looks like an interesting event! For sure, it can't be stressed enough how we should take care of our teeth. I have to admit that sometimes I'm not meticulous enough and it's high time that I should be!
ReplyDeleteHi CrescentFire,
DeleteWe had a blast during the event and happy that I learned a lot on oral care and hygiene.
It's so important to start teaching our children how to take care of their teeth and gums as early as possible. I've found that I have to constantly remind mine because she forgets and the thought of her going to sleep with a mouth full of bacteria makes me want to scream. :)
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteWe have to do the initiative to remind them of this. Thank you for reminding your daughter everyday. That's the least we can do for them now.
Wow in all my 29 years on this Earth and I only just learnt how to brush my teeth properly! Although I must have been doing something right since I've never had to have a filling. Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteNow you know but it's not too late to do the proper brushing. Good luck!
Hi Dominick,
ReplyDeleteThank you!