With a large variety of colorful, eye-catching children’s toothpaste on the market, it can be difficult for any parent to pick the right one. Do I choose the one with Batman on the front or a more natural paste? Will the Disney princesses suffice or should I go with a well-known brand name? And why should I get toothpaste that’s fluoride-free?
If you’re a parent agonizing over the choice of toothpaste, read on. In this article, you’ll find a ton of helpful information that will make that choice a no-brainer. With luck, your child will enjoy brushing his teeth every day; all it takes is a little know-how.
Age Before Brushing
First and foremost, you want to take into account your child’s age when selecting a toothpaste, Why? Because children under 3 are less likely to spit out their toothpaste.
Ingesting too much fluoride at a young age can be harmful to a child. This can result in a condition known as fluorosis in which the teeth are stained with faint white lines. Fortunately, most cases are very mild and can be prevented by becoming aware of the fluoride concentration in your drinking water. Starting very small kids out with a fluoride-free toothpaste is the way to go, until their dentist says it’s time to add fluoride.
Fluoride Forever
Once your child is old enough, you can gradually switch to fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride, in the proper amount, strengthens enamel and prevents tooth decay. It’s an essential component of most types of toothpaste and is important in preserving the health of your child’s teeth.
Take into consideration these three factors when picking a fluoride toothpaste for your child:
ADA Sealed
Much like a plane cleared for take-off, the ADA gives the stamp of approval that your choice of toothpaste is effective. This means that it has undergone testing and experts agree it does its job well. The ADA seal on your child’s toothpaste proves you’re picking the best option, not just the one that looks nice.
Flavorful
We all love something that tastes good and is healthy for us. Luckily, most children’s toothpaste options are just that! Yummy flavors like strawberry, mint, and bubblegum entice children to brush twice daily.
Knowing your child’s flavor palate can be an asset in the selection process. Think about the snacks your child craves and pick a toothpaste that matches their taste profile. Find options that are bursting with flavor and personality.
But remember — never sacrifice tooth protection for taste. Additives like artificial sweeteners improve taste and appearance but can worsen your child’s preexisting conditions. Consult your pediatrician to be sure if your toothpaste is safe to use.
Few Abrasives
Abrasives are a common ingredient found in most toothpaste brands, but many people don’t understand their purpose. In simple terms, an abrasive’s job is to remove debris and surface stains from teeth. However, they can also remove precious enamel.
Enamel is the substance that protects your teeth from sensitivity and further decay. And it cannot be regenerated once it’s destroyed. That’s why you should aim to preserve your child’s enamel as long as possible.
Sadly, some children’s toothpaste includes harmful abrasives like silicates and calcium carbonate. Be wary of any abrasives lurking in your child’s toothpaste or they could end up damaging their smile in the process.
Fluoride Options
So how do you know what toothpaste to choose? Business Insider compiled a list of the best options in a variety of categories. Their overall pick is Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste in Silly Strawberry. Though it does contain hydrated silica, Tom’s of Maine is an ADA-approved brand with a toothpaste that is both tasty and effective.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you take a stroll down the toothpaste aisle. That way your child will be healthy and you’ll be relieved.
Want our recommendation? Contact Simply Beautiful Smiles today and we’ll enlighten you about your child’s toothpaste or help you schedule a check-up. And while you’re at it, come visit us at one of our many locations in the greater Delaware Valley. We can’t wait to see your smile!