Toothpaste for kids should contain fluoride!
As with many dilemmas we confront as parents, we are always faced with multiple choices when it comes to types of toothpaste we should use for our kids. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends brushing your child’s teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. The benefit of fluoride is topical, meaning that it helps your child’s teeth when it contacts them. Teeth can absorb this mineral to become stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. It is important to use the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste for your child. Children under three years old should brush using a smear (or grain of rice sized amount of toothpaste). Children between three to six years old should use up to a pea sized amount. We recommend parents keep fluoride toothpaste out of reach of young children so that they don’t try to use more than the appropriate amount. Most children are around six years old before they learn to effectively spit out excess toothpaste, but the small amount of toothpaste used for brushing before this age is not harmful if swallowed.
Adult toothpaste works too!
Dr. Villasenor recommends choosing a toothpaste for kids that has the ADA seal of approval. The amount of fluoride is the same in children and adult toothpastes in the United States; packaging and flavors distinguish these types of toothpaste, so it’s okay to use an adult toothpaste with your child if they prefer a minty flavor. Many children’s toothpastes have a sweeter bubble gum or fruity flavor.
Training toothpaste: Not effective at preventing cavities
Training toothpastes that do not contain fluoride can introduce the texture of toothpaste to your child. However, these types of toothpastes are not effective at preventing cavities. It is okay to brush just using water as your baby’s first few teeth erupt, as the mechanical removal of plaque is the most important part of brushing at this stage. Toothpastes that contain nano-hydroxyapatite have also demonstrated effectiveness at preventing cavities.
Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite is an important part of a preventive care routine for optimal oral health. Dr. Villasenor is here to provide guidance and suggestions for the best toothpaste choices for your child. Call us at 303-758-0223 or visit www.RiseandShineSmiles.com today to schedule an appointment!