A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Toothpaste For Your Child’s Dental Health
With hundreds of toothpaste types and brands, how can we choose the best toothpaste for our little ones? It’s a tricky decision, and since many companies claim they’re the best, it complicates things for the buyers. However, toothpaste is one of the most essential tools to maintain good oral health for our children.
In this article, we will guide you on how to choose the right toothpaste for your kids. We will give you some pointers you have to check, as well as other tips on how to maintain that bright smile of your little one. Make sure to read until the end of this article to learn everything.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Toothpaste for Children
As parents, we don’t just buy anything for our children; we always need to consider many things, like whether it is safe or time for them to use it. Here are some considerations before choosing a toothpaste for your children.
Age of your Child
The amount of toothpaste changes and increases as your child grows and their teeth start to show. Your child’s current age will determine if it’s time for them to use toothpaste or how much you need to use it. We don’t just brush our child’s teeth like they are an adult; we need to make sure that it is the right amount.
It is recommended that your child starts to use fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth shows. This usually occurs during their first year. Regarding the amount of toothpaste, it is recommended to only have a smear amount of toothpaste, at least a size of a rice grain, for children under three years old. If your child is 3-6 years old, you can upgrade the amount of toothpaste to like the size of a pea. Some parents use a cloth to clean their baby’s mouth when it is younger than one year.
Fluoride Content
The toothpaste ingredients that your child will use should also be considered. Fluoride is one of the most important contents inside toothpaste as fluoride acts as your protection from tooth decay and cavities. For a developing kid, making their teeth strong until their permanent teeth emerge.
Of course, there is an appropriate number of fluoride content per age group. That is why children mostly have different toothpaste than adults. For children under three years old, toothpaste with a fluoride concentration of 1000 ppm (parts per million) is recommended by the dentist. Toothpaste with a fluoride concentration of 1350-1500 ppm is appropriate for children three and older.
The numbers may complicate things, especially when figuring out what toothpaste to get. To make it easier, find a good pediatric dentist that can help you. Pediatric dentists can make you and your kid’s life easier. Junior Smiles of Stafford, a pediatric dentist in Burke, VA, has a remarkable record of giving the best dental plan for children. They aim to help parents figure out what to do by providing dental services, recommendations, and advice. You should try them if you are from Burke or near it. If not, find the best pediatric dentist in your area.
Flavor
Kids will always be kids, and flavored toothpaste can make brushing fun for them. Consider buying a toothpaste flavor that your kid will enjoy. Flavors can psychologically affect your child’s thinking, making them excited to brush their teeth. But remember, the recommended amount of time when brushing is only 2 minutes. Keep your kid entertained with flavors.
Specific Dental Needs
This factor highlights the importance of finding a pediatric dentist. Your kid may be suffering from dental problems without you knowing, and your pediatric dentist can see that problem for you. Your child’s pediatric dentist will provide a few recommendations if your child has a few dental issues, such as tooth sensitivity and cavities.
Types of Toothpaste for Children
Now that you’ve learned different factors to consider when buying toothpaste let’s briefly explain the types of toothpaste you can use for your children.
Regular Toothpaste
Regular toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains fluoride. It also comes in different flavors and textures that appeal to children of any age. Both adults and children commonly use it. Don’t worry; this is very safe for children, but you can only use it if your children are old enough to spit toothpaste as it contains fluoride.
Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
This type of toothpaste isn’t that different from regular toothpaste, except for the fact that it doesn’t have any fluoride in it. It is recommended for children who have a high chance of ingesting toothpaste or have a condition that makes them sensitive to fluoride.
Natural Toothpaste
If you’re a parent who wants everything natural for their kids, this is highly recommended. It contains the same ingredient as regular toothpaste, except they don’t have any preservatives or flavoring.
Special Toothpaste
There are specially made toothpaste for children with specific dental needs. For example, there are medicated toothpaste for children with sensitive teeth or toothpaste made to remove cavities. This will be prescribed or recommended by a pediatric dentist.
Final Thoughts
As parents, we face difficult decisions that should be made for our kids. It is true that many parents worldwide didn’t have any help from pediatric dentists but still managed to grow beautiful, healthy kids. But, if we want them to be fully healthy, investing in a dental care plan is an excellent way to go. They will help you make decisions easier, like choosing a toothpaste for your kids. Toothpaste isn’t just for cleaning but also to keep their teeth strong and healthy as it develops. Consult a pediatric dentist and let them help you find the best toothpaste for your kids.
