February is National Children's Dental Health Month; New Study Reveals Parental Blunders With Kids' Brushing Routine

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BELMONT, Calif., Feb. 3, 1997 -- A national study just released by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and Oral-B Laboratories reveals parents aren't following the experts' advice regarding their children's dental care, and are mostly unaware of the specific "ages and stages" in a child's oral care development.

The "Oral-B & AAPD Check-Up on Children's Oral Care" national study found parents aren't paying enough attention to their kids brushing and flossing routine -- which can do more to eliminate cavities than cutting back on candy. The study also found the dental care issues parents think are most important aren't necessarily the ones they should be most concerned about.

Although moms and dads claim to have plenty of information, as well as an understanding of brushing basics, actual behaviors prove otherwise. Following are survey excerpts:

• Children aren't getting to the dentist as early as they should. The average age of a first dental visit is 4; however, the AAPD recommends children see a dentist when the first baby tooth emerges -- usually between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. This first visit is critical so parents can learn appropriate steps to assist in maintaining their child's oral health.

• Children, especially those under age 4, need a different brushing technique than adults -- one that's simpler to follow and accommodates their limited dexterity. The "scrub" technique is recommended, in which all surfaces of the teeth are cleaned by using a small, circular scrubbing motion with the bristles of the toothbrush.

• Nearly half of the parents studied were unaware of the recommended oral care guidelines for infants: Clean child's mouth with a gauze pad or infant washcloth after feedings and before bedtime.

• The majority of parents allow their children to use more than the recommended pea-sized amount of toothpaste, which increases the amount swallowed. For children ages 6 and under, ingested toothpaste may lead to fluorosis, which manifests as small, white flecks on the teeth.

• Some 26 percent of parents only change their child's toothbrush 1-2 times per year, even though the AAPD suggests toothbrushes be changed every 3-4 months for optimal brushing, and especially during cold and flu season to avoid the transmission of germs.

• Contrary to AAPD recommendations, nearly one-third of parents allow their children between the ages of 0-8 to brush without supervision. A good rule of thumb is if children can completely dress themselves, including tying their shoes without any assistance, then they can brush on their own. Children shouldn't be allowed to floss unsupervised until the age of 10, as flossing is a much more difficult task to master than brushing.

• One in three children are not brushing their teeth before bed. Children should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day, with the optimal times being before bed and after breakfast. Despite the AAPD's recommendations, parents surveyed report that only 67 percent of children brush before bed and a mere 57 percent brush after breakfast.

"The results of the study concern us," said Dr. Arthur J. Nowak, president of the AAPD. "It appears parents think they have enough information about their child's oral health, yet the study clearly indicates parents require more information and need to initiate preventive health behaviors much earlier in their child's development. We hope the findings of this study will raise awareness and, at the same time, educate parents about these important oral care issues."

The "Oral-B and AAPD Check Up on Children's Oral Care" study was unique in that it not only probed the current oral care concerns of parents with young children, but also provides them with expert advice on how to manage those issues.

"We wanted to examine the current oral care routine of children today and ultimately provide parents with information and expert advice from the AAPD so they can better understand and manage their kid's oral care routine," explains Sherree Lucas, product manager of the Child/Youth Products for Oral-B Laboratories. "We also want to reach parents early in a child's development because it is essential that attitudes and habits are formed at a very young age to maintain a healthy oral care routine that lasts a lifetime."

Oral-B concentrates its consumer-outreach efforts on educating parents about the importance, as well as the how-to's, of providing the best oral care for their kids. Company research shows there are "ages and stages" to a child's oral care needs, so Oral-B's line of children's toothbrushes target specific age groups to meet the differing developmental needs of a growing child. The company's partnership with the AAPD for this study is part of its ongoing commitment to educational outreach to consumers.

The AAPD is the recognized specialty organization representing more than 4,000 pediatric dentists. The organization focuses its efforts on practice, education and research and works closely with the American Dental Association (ADA) for the better understanding and communication of children's oral care, including children with special health care needs. Campaigns such as National Children's Dental Health Month, held each February since 1941, also help raise awareness of current oral care issues facing children and their parents today.

The "Oral-B & AAPD Check-Up on Children's Oral Care" national study polled more than 750 parents with kids ages 12 and younger to identify their biggest issues and answer them with the help of experts in pediatric dentistry. The findings are being released to coincide with National Children's Dental Health Month in February.

For complete survey findings and AAPD recommendations, contact Juliet Babros at Porter Novelli, 310-444-7054.

CONTACT: Juliet Babros of Porter Novelli, 310-444-7054, for The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry