The effectiveness of a novel infant tooth wipe in high caries-risk babies 8 to15 months old.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess baby and parental satisfaction and plaque-removal efficacy of a novel infant tooth wipe (Spiffies) in high caries-risk babies.

METHODS

Thirty-five healthy and caries-free infants were selected. Babies had never had their teeth cleaned and no primary molars were yet present. Subjects were identified with the risk factor of nightly feeding behaviors. Pre- and postcleaning oral hygiene plaque measurements were recorded and then analyzed by a blinded examiner. A manual toothbrush (Ultra Kids) was used as the control method. Infants' caregivers used their randomly assigned cleaning method without instruction. Babies returned to the clinic after a 48- to 72-hour washout period, and the procedures were repeated before and after use of the alternate method. Parental satisfaction and baby-perceived acceptance were evaluated by a questionnaire and were analyzed at the time of the visit and at bedtime.

RESULTS

Both the infant tooth wipe and conventional brushing significantly reduced plaque levels (P < .001). Parents were more satisfied with the wipes when compared to toothbrushing, particularly after nightly feeding habits (P < .001). Similarly, infant's acceptance was higher with the wipes at daytime and significantly higher at night-time (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

The Novel novel Infant infant Tooth tooth Wipe wipe provides an effective method of plaque removal before the eruption of primary molars.