Consumer Critique: Spiffies and I Can Brush

I just found out about some dental health products for babies and kids.

Spiffies Cleaning and Teething Wipes are individually packaged towelettes containing a formula rich in xylitol. They have been shown to reduce bacteria in the mouth, and lower bacteria levels means fewer or no cavities! They're invented by pediatrician Ray Wagner, MD. They can also be stored in the fridge to provide a cooling sensation for teething relief. They're easy to use, and my toddler had no problem with the taste, although she's old enough that she still wanted to brush her own teeth afterwards (at two, she's very independent).

Spiffies also makes I Can Brush, a 100% natural tooth-brushing liquid, that is also rich in the cavity fighter xylitol. It's fluoride-free and paraben-free, so it's safe if a little bit gets swallowed. It also was created by pediatrician Ray Wanger, MD. The grape flavor goes over well with my kids. The only downside is if you're used to toothpaste, it is a little hard to get used to tooth-brushing liquid (and a little messier to try to let your kids do it alone).

Why xylitol? Xylitol, according to the California Dental Association Xylitol information page, is a naturally-occurring sugar substitute. It can sweeten products, but the bacteria that live in the mouth can't use it as food. Fewer bacteria means less decay and less chance of cavities (which is important even for baby teeth - they may lose them, but you still don't want to deal with cavities). It can also be found in certain gums. A large amount of xylitol can have a laxative effect, but the amount that shows up in gums, mints, or toothpastes is well below what will typically have a laxative effect.

Disclosure: I received samples of Spiffies and I Can Brush to facilitate this review.