Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Impact of Common Fruit Juices and Toothbrushing on the Discoloration of Primary Teeth
Published on: March 27, 2026
The effectiveness of a novel infant tooth wipe in high caries-risk babies 8 to15 months old
Anna Galganny-Almeida1, Mellissa C Queiroz, Alvaro Jorge M Leite
1Pediatrics Department, Federal University of Ceará. Fortaleza, Brazil. annagalmeida@terra.com.br
Insights
A novel infant tooth wipe effectively removes plaque in high-risk babies. Parents reported higher satisfaction and babies showed better acceptance with the wipes compared to toothbrushing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral Hygiene
- Caries Prevention
Background:
- Infant oral hygiene is crucial for preventing early childhood caries.
- Babies at high risk for caries often have specific feeding behaviors, such as nightly feedings.
- Effective plaque removal methods are needed for infants before primary molar eruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of a novel infant tooth wipe (Spiffies).
- To assess parental satisfaction with the infant tooth wipe.
- To determine infant acceptance of the tooth wipe compared to a manual toothbrush.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 35 healthy, caries-free infants with risk factors for nightly feeding.
- Comparison of a novel infant tooth wipe against a manual toothbrush for plaque reduction.
- Parental satisfaction and infant acceptance were measured via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Both the infant tooth wipe and manual brushing significantly reduced plaque levels.
- Parents expressed greater satisfaction with the tooth wipe, especially after nightly feedings.
- Infants demonstrated higher acceptance of the tooth wipe during both daytime and nighttime use.
Conclusions:
- The novel infant tooth wipe is an effective tool for plaque removal in infants.
- The tooth wipe offers a preferred alternative for parents and infants over traditional toothbrushing.
- Early intervention with effective oral hygiene methods is vital for caries prevention in infants.
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:15Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...