Have you ever found yourself staring at all the colorful boxes of children’s toothpaste and wondering which one is best for your little one?
As parents, you want what’s best for your children, so much so that even your kid’s toothpaste sometimes causes a debate. Toothpaste for adults differs from children’s toothpaste. You are sure to find various claims about cavity protection, fluoride content, sensitivity, and more. It is natural for parents to do research or ask their family dentist for the best option to make the perfect choice.
While things like fluoride content and an ADA stamp of approval are very important, others are a matter of personal preference. Here are some tips to help you make better informed decisions about children’s toothpaste.
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Kids?
It is fine if you don’t know what to consider when it comes to choosing your kid’s toothpaste. We’ve made a list to help you decide.
1. Look for the ADA Seal
What is the ADA seal and why does it matter? Any product must pass through a series of tests to make sure that it is safe for human consumption before it hits the shelves. However, toothpaste needs another seal of approval, that of the American Dental Association. The ADA seal also means that the children’s toothpaste is effective in fighting cavities and tooth decay.
With the ADA seal, parents will feel secure that their child is getting the proper oral care. Your dentist can also suggest their trusted toothpaste brand. When you know that the toothpaste is effective, you will surely have minimal visits to the dentist.
2. Check the Fluoride Content
Like adult toothpaste, it is also vital that a child’s toothpaste has fluoride. But you might be wondering, “Do toddlers need fluoride toothpaste?” Surprisingly enough, dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste for toddlers once their first tooth shows.
However, you should note that the difference here is the type of toothbrush and the amount of toothpaste that your toddler needs. Introducing fluoride toothpaste can help toughen their teeth and protect the enamel. The amount of fluoride you give to a kid matters because too much fluoride can cause fluorosis. It is also important to tell them to spit after brushing.
3. What’s the Level of Abrasiveness?
When choosing the best toothpaste for kids, another important thing you need to check is whether it is too abrasive. As much as you want to eliminate the dirt and food stains in your kid’s mouth, you should also know that there is a possibility that their enamel will be destroyed.
When abrasives destroy the enamel in the kid’s teeth, you are looking at tooth decay. If you want to know what things shouldn’t be in your children’s toothpaste, you can ask your dentist. In that way, you’ll know what toothpaste brands to avoid.
4. Choose a Good Flavor
You may be wondering why there are a lot of kids’ toothpaste flavors available. Some of these flavors include chocolate, strawberry, apple, and bubblegum. Adult toothpaste has minty or “spicy” flavors that children generally don’t like.
The goal of these flavors is to get kids to brush their teeth. When they like the flavors, they’ll surely look forward to brushing their teeth. But, you might ask, when can kids use adult toothpaste?
The switch from children’s toothpaste to adult toothpaste usually happens when they reach the age of 6. However, if you or your kid is hesitant to do so, you can consult with your pediatric dentist.
Having to consider so many factors can be overwhelming, especially to first-time parents. However, once you know what to look for, choosing the right kid’s toothpaste will be easier for you. This will also be more beneficial to your kids in the long run. Teaching them proper oral care at a young age can help maintain their perfect smiles. If you are in need of professional consultation, bring your kids to our clinic at Sunrise Dentistry. We have the finest holistic dentists in Durango, CO. Let’s start them young!
