The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes in Schools and Institutions From the Division of Oral Health, National Center for Prevention Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
If simple hygienic measures are used, the positive benefits of tooth brushing can be enhanced. These benefits, which include the establishment of lifelong preventive habits, warrant continued support for and implementation of tooth brushing programs in schools and other institutional settings. For instance, toothbrushes can become contaminated with blood and saliva, and become vehicles for transmitting infections. In schools, day-care programs, and other institutional settings, common sense and proper hygiene practices should be the primary considerations in the use and care of toothbrushes. The following hygienic measures are recommended:
Revised December, 1993
- Each child should have his/her own toothbrush, clearly marked with identification. No sharing or borrowing should be allowed. A pea-sized amount of tooth paste should be dispensed on a dry toothbrush.
- Following use, toothbrushes should be allowed to air dry, and stored so that they cannot touch each other.
- Paper cups used by children for rinsing after brushing, should be disposed of properly.
- Attempts should not be made to decontaminate a toothbrush. When a toothbrush becomes contaminated through contact with another brush or use by another child, it should be immediately discarded and replaced with a new one.
- Tooth brushing should always be supervised to ensure that tooth brushes are not shared and that they are handled properly.
Dental EmergenciesBased on information submitted by R. lorraine Samuel, Health Technical Assistant Specialist, New England Resource Center, Newton, MA, parents should follow certain procedures for some dental emergencies with a child such as:
Knocked-out Tooth: if a child should knock out a tooth, it should not be picked up by the toot end. It should be gently rinsed off and placed in a glass of milk or wrapped in a damp hand towel. If the child is taken to the dentist within 30 minutes, there is a 90 percent chance that the tooth can be saved!
Broken or chipped tooth: the child will still need to visit the dentist as soon as possible, even if it doesn't hurt. The damage area should be cleaned with warm water and a cold compress used to keep the swelling down. Any fragments of the broken tooth should be taken with the child to possibly be bonded back onto the injured tooth.