Brush, Book, Bed

Brush, Book, Bed

 

Brush, Book, Bed is a program developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help promote good oral hygiene in children.  Pediatricians are taking a more prominent role in oral hygiene because they are often visited more frequently than dentists.  Also, there is a large disparity between oral health outcomes in children of color and low socioeconomic status.  Children that may fit into these categories have visits with pediatricians but do not visit a dentist as often.  There are serious consequences for tooth decay and gum disease for children.  These issues can affect a child’s ability to eat healthy foods and to speak clearly.  There are also secondary factors that cause problems for children such as missing school because of tooth pain.

The AAP is trying to present a clear and simple program for parents to follow:  help your child brush his or her teeth, read a book and then go to bed at a regular time each night. 

All young children need help brushing their teeth to make sure they are doing a good job.  Encourage your child to spit out any extra toothpaste.  Children do not need to rinse their mouths after brushing as the small amount of remaining toothpaste is good for their teeth. 

Good oral hygiene can begin at birth.  Begin using a washcloth to wipe baby’s gums after feeding.  Also remember not to put a baby to bed with a bottle with milk as that can promote tooth decay.  As soon as you see a tooth in your baby’s mouth, you can begin brushing.  Use a tiny amount of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) when brushing with children under the age of three.  Once children are three years of age you can increase the amount of toothpaste to about the size of a pea.

Children can be encouraged to form good tooth brushing habits by making it fun.  Sing a song or buy a toothbrush that plays music or lights up to time your child so they brush long enough.  Also, buying a toothbrush in a fun color or with your child’s favorite character can be very motivating.  There are many flavored fluoride toothpastes that can also encourage your child to brush.

After brushing teeth, sitting and reading with your child can be a great relaxing activity to do before bed.  Reading books promotes language and social-emotional development.   Reading can also be a nice reward to your child for doing a great job brushing.