Choosing the Right Toothpaste for Your Child

Getting your child to brush their teeth, even with your help, can be difficult. Choosing the right toothpaste to use can be a struggle as well. Hundreds of brands and types are on the market, and you don’t want to choose one inappropriate for their age or developmental stage. You also want to avoid ending up with a toothpaste your child hates to use.

To choose the best toothpaste for your child’s dental health (and to make teeth brushing less of a hassle), consider our guidelines for choosing the best toothpaste for your child:

Look for the ADA Seal

The ADA Seal from the American Dental Association means it is approved as safe and effective in promoting optimal dental health. The seal is on the toothpaste tube and box. The ADA ensures that the product has been rigorously tested by the organization’s Scientific Affairs division.

Choose Fluoride

The ADA recommends children of all ages use toothpaste with fluoride, an ingredient that helps protect teeth against plaque and cavities. Fluoride can even reverse the earliest stages of some cavities. However, swallowing too much fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can cause white spots on the teeth. To prevent this, supervise younger children when brushing and ensure they spit out the toothpaste rather than ingest it.

We recommend a low level of fluoride (500 ppm) for children under age 6. Watch your children carefully when they brush and use only a rice-sized amount of toothpaste for children between 1 and 3. For children 3-6, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1000 ppm of fluoride.

Skip the Abrasives

Abrasive toothpaste may seem like a good idea because it will “scrub” stubborn stains away, but your child’s teeth are too delicate for abrasive toothpaste that can erode the enamel on their teeth. Too much phosphate or alumina can be too strong for young enamel and cause teeth to become overly sensitive.

Pick the Right Flavor

A flavored toothpaste will make brushing more enjoyable for your child. Children, especially toddlers, may not like the taste of adult toothpaste. Mint pastes may taste “hot” or “spicy,” preventing children from brushing or rushing through it. You can find children’s toothpaste in sweeter, milder flavors like orange, bubble gum, and fruit punch. When your child enjoys the flavor of their toothpaste, they’ll be more interested in brushing. Just remind them that they should never swallow the toothpaste but spit it out.

Talk to Dr. Vakili

If you need help determining which toothpaste is best for your child, Dr. Vakili can guide you in the right direction. At your child’s next appointment, ask Dr. Vakili for a recommendation. Dr. Vakili will recommend a few brands that will protect your child’s teeth and promote oral health throughout their childhood.

For more information on choosing the right toothpaste for your child, contact our office at Kentfield Office Phone Number 415-454-6414.