That's New | From the Desk of Dr. Yoshino

Work on the flipper

Dr. Yoshino added a little more material Maureen's current flipper. He recommended that we take the flipper out every night when Maureen goes to bed. He feels that doing so makes sense for the following reasons:

1. It will relieve pressure on the gums

2. General hygiene

Maya said it would be challenging to remove the flipped every night. She questions the value of doing so.

Origins of the gunk

Dr. Yoshino believes the gunk is most likely dried blood.

Daily dental care tips

Toothpaste or mouthwash to brush teeth?

• We informed Dr. Yoshino of Maureen's tendency to swallow toothpaste and of our decision to use mouthwash to brush her teeth at least during the morning and afternoon. I believe the swing shift might still be using toothpaste. He recommended from this point forward that we use a small dab of Kids Crest to clean Maureen's teeth. I got two small tubes of Kids Crest from Dr. Yoshino and will leave these samples in the bathroom for Tom to store.

Use a fluoride rinse every other day

• Dr. Yoshino also recommended using ACT Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse once every other day after brushing at night. He said to dip a Q-tip into the fluoride rinse and rub it along the gum line—outside and inside. I got two small plastic bottles of Act Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse and will leave these samples in the bathroom for Tom to store.