When should parents take their children to the dentist the first time?

 It is so important to make an appointment with a dentist by the time he/she is one years old.  I liken this visit to the "well-baby check-up" only it is with the dentist and it will be a "well-teeth checkup" .  It gives the parents an opportunity to get current information on the care of the teeth and make sure everything is progressing on schedule.  Don't worry about having the baby placed in the dental chair and examined.  That won't happen because this visit is more for information than actual examination.  Outdated recommendation was to wait until the child was about 3 years old and sometimes that was too late.  Children often had cavities by that time.  The dentist/dental hygienist will give appropriate information about

• how to clean the baby's mouth,
• the items to use to clean the baby's mouth,
• when to let children start brushing teeth,
• recommendations for teething babies, 
• answer questions about pacifier use or thumb sucking. 

Physicians, unintentionally, have been known to give misinformation about some of these topics.

Web Page Has Been Updated

New Website  ...Same Great Company!www.latsa.com

We hope the improvements create a pleasant shopping experience. 

We look forward to showing you the terrific products we have that will   help you promote dental health for your children or the children in your practice.

In future blogs, I will keep you updated on some of the products that we presently carry.  Please check out our new "digs".

Toothbrush Sanitizer

A fairly new product on the market is a toothbrush sanitizer, that holds 20 toothbrushes. It was especially designed for child care facilities but could be used anywhere where space is needed to sanitize more than the usual numb
er of family toothbrushes. Easy to use, just lift the lid, place toothbrushes in holder, the Ultraviolet (UV) light automatically comes on when the door closes and cycles for 10 minutes, killing 99.9% of the germs that are on the brushes. Unit includes AC adapter, self supporting stand and wall mounting hardware. Any size toothbrush will fit, even the fat handled ones.  You will find them on the Latsa Company website, www.latsa.com.

Cleaning infant's mouth and teeth

As you realize by now, I am constantly on the alert for new products which will help parents and child caregivers take good care of our children's teeth. I have just found a new one and it is designed to use for infants and toddlers. It is called "Tooth Tissues".
FACT 1 Tooth decay is the single most common infectious disease in children.
FACT 2 The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that good oral habits start from birth.

We all agree that it is very important to clean babies teeth after feedings and before bedtime. The Tooth Tissues are disposable dental wipes that are uniquely textured and designed for effective safe removal of plaque from teeth, gums, tongue and cheeks. Use of these wipes during infancy, assists in establishing the habit of a clean mouth for the child, but also allows them to learn to accommodate having a toothbrush in their mouth for care of their teeth when they are ready for that.
Tooth Tissues are purposely unflavored, packaged with 30 wipes in a soft resealable pouch, or in single use packets. They leave no sticky residue on fingers or teeth and are 99% natural. They are soothing for teething gums with aloe vera, paraben free, and formulated with xylitol, a proven cavity fighter.

Stocking Stuffer for Healthy Teeth

Finally, a stocking stuffer that will be for children of any age. Twist the tooth and it will ring in 2 minutes. Fun, Effective and Easy to Use. NO BATTERIES. This is a tooth shaped timer which will help children determine the length of time to brush. It is 4" high, about the size of a kitchen timer.

Healthy habits begin early and this award-winning, mom-invented product is designed to help children achieve good oral health habits and have fun doing it. Recommended by dentists and dental hygienists for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

These are available at www.latsa.com.

Start Young and Make it Fun

Start young and make it fun with a new "Teethy Animal" from Latsa Company. Magi Dragon, a 15" puppet comes with a large toothbrush and large (2x) teeth. You will find it easy to demonstrate brushing and flossing. Let Magi Dragon help you make oral health fun and exciting with his bright blue short pile plush, vivid purple spots, whimsical wings, soft green horns, and long spaded tail.

Order from Latsa Company 888-805-2872 or www.latsa.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Brushing Teeth in the Classroom!

4. Aren't the cute colorful plastic caps good to use over the bristles of the toothbrushes?

No, because bacteria from the mouth remain on the brush after each use. These bacteria are not eliminated when the brush is rinsed. In fact, the bacteria incubate and multiply in the dark, damp and warm environment that the cap provides. Some childcare centers have been attracted to these colorful caps. Please be aware that the use of these caps, or any caps on the toothbrushes will not allow the toothbrushes to dry regardless of how many holes are in the cap. There is just not enough air circulation inside of the caps to allow for quick and thorough drying of the bristles.