Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste

Why is brushing with toothpaste important?

Toothpaste with a correct brushing action works to remove plaque
Plaque is a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth
It causes cavities, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss if not controlled
Toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen
Special ingredients in toothpaste help clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time
Toothpaste helps freshen breath and leaves your mouth with a clean feeling

What type of toothpaste should I use?

As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, the brand you buy does not matter
All fluoride toothpastes work effectively to fight plaque and cavities and clean and polish tooth enamel
Your brand should also bear the American Dental Association seal of acceptance on the container, which means that adequate evidence of safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated in controlled, clinical trials
Fluoride is the true active ingredient at work protecting your teeth
Some prefer tartar control toothpastes to prevent the buildup of soft calculus deposits on their teeth
New pastes offer whitening formulas aimed at removing surface stains to make teeth brighter and shinier

How much should I use?

Squeeze a pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush
If you brush correctly, holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and brush inside, outside and between your teeth, the paste should foam enough to cover all of your teeth
Children under six should only be given a very small, baby pea-sized dab of paste on their brush

Is brushing with toothpaste enough to fight cavities and gum disease?

Although brushing thoroughly after each meal helps, flossing your teeth every day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and at the gum line is just as important
Plaque will re-grow on teeth that are completely clean within 3 to 4 hours of brushing

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.