The Effectiveness of a Novel Infant Tooth Wipe in High Caries-risk Babies 8 to 15 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 tooth-brushing, 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.