The need for oral care products and toothpastes that are SAFE TO SWALLOW is more important every day. The projections show that by the end of 2025, about 50% of all children in America will be somewhere on the AUTISM SPECTRUM.  In addition, the number of special needs children and adults is also increasing significantly.  Many of these people also have oral sensory conditions and cannot or will not "spit out" toothpaste and gels.  This is very important. 

Mainstream toothpaste and oral care products require that a user is to SPIT OUT and NOT SWALLOW them. Many toothpastes have labels on the BACK of the container or tube that recommends a user to see a physician or health care provider immediately if a moderate or significant amount of the product is swallowed. This recommendation is to prevent any toxic or unfavorable affects on the human body.  There are also studies performed revealing the hazardous effects of fluoride and other minerals on the gut and digestive systems of people with Autism. There are also children and adults who are non-ambulatory or bedridden and are not able to get to a sink to spit out toothpaste or tooth gels.

Patients, caregivers, and health care professionals or currently looking for alternative products that are SAFE TO SWALLOW yet healthy, effective, affordable, taste good, and PROVEN to be better than Fluoride to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health.  There is a product that meet all of these criteria. Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel are those products. A clinical study has results that verify the Dr Branams Xylitol products are 3 TIMES more effective than Fluoride in reducing oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.  
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Using Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel at home DAILY is significantly (3 times) more beneficial and safer than using a Fluoride product.  In the last 30 years over 400 studies performed by the American Dental Association. During that time, tooth decay has continued to increase in children 6 years of age and younger.  It has become the #1 chronic childhood disease in America and is getting more severe.  The only way to reverse this disease is through PREVENTION, because treatment is the disease has failed. Tooth decay is a DISEASE of the FAMILY; so the entire family benefits from Xylitol usage.  

The GOOD NEWS is that we recommend and offer these healthy, safe, and effective products to our own patients. You will love the results and can see them for yourself.  


Yours for better oral health,  
Dr Steve Branam 

Giving your child a positive first experience in the dental office is so important and a responsibility.  Parents are a key part of this introduction to dentistry.  Parents guide virtually all life experiences, ESPECIALLY before 5 years of age.  Infants,  toddlers,  and young children feel and see your unspoken emotions and anxieties.  ​

Tell and show them that "going to the dentist"  is easy and may be an experience to "look forward to."  Share your own positive experiences in the dental office.  If you have had unpleasant experiences, keep them to yourself for your child's sake. There is NO BENEFIT to your child if you share them.  Most unpleasant dental experiences occur when the patient needs extensive and complicated treatment.  Therefore, the best way to avoid bad dental experiences is to take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST before tooth decay.

Schedule your child's first dental appointment on their first birthday or no later than 18 months of age.  Infants and toddlers are easy to control,  the time in the dental chair is short, toothbrushing or polishing is very quick, and they usually get a "prize" at the end. Tell your child this is what usually happens.  Remember that this is all about helping your child, not sharing the possible negative dental experiences you or your family may have experienced. You are your child's primary role model, and they will follow your advice and direction.  Positive comments set the stage for a positive experience.

I will share this valuable advice.  My experiences and social research indicate that the most difficult time to introduce your child to a dental office is 3 years of age.  These toddlers are going through a dependent stage in their lives and are very "worldly."  They have heard negative conversations, intentional or unintentional, about negative dental experiences from relatives,  siblings, or parents.   

In summary,  1) start brushing your child's teeth when the first tooth enters the mouth.  2) Brush your teeth and your child's teeth before going to bed with Dr Branams Xylitol toothpaste and gel, 3) minimize baby bottle and sippy cup usage, 4) take your child to a PEDIATRIC DENTIST on their FIRST BIRTHDAY. 
 
To Better Oral Health,
 
Dr. Steve Branam