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The selection of toothpaste at the grocery store seems to grow weekly. With a little knowledge about what’s best for your little one, you can successfully navigate this isle and make a toothpaste selection that will make you happy and your child eager to brush.
From the time the first teeth begin to erupt until all permanent teeth come in it is especially important for children to use a toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride in toothpaste helps to prevent cavities by strengthening teeth. Until a child is capable of spitting out toothpaste when brushing, a rice or pea sized amount should be used at this stage. While you may not love the idea of purchasing separate toothpastes for your kids, toothpastes with whiteners should be avoided as they are too abrasive for baby teeth which are softer than adult teeth.
In order to get your child excited about brushing it is a great idea to allow them input in selecting their toothpaste. Many manufacturers make kid-friendly options that taste appealing to children and are also tooth friendly as well. You may shake your head at why a 3 year old prefers bubble gum flavor over mint, but the important issue at this age is to get your child to be compliant at brushing for 2 minutes twice a day. The right ingredients are much more important than the flavor of the toothpaste.
Some great, kid friendly options available in most grocery stores today are:
Toms Of Maine
Toms of Maine makes toothpastes that contain fluoride as well as those that do not contain fluoride. The only Toms of Maine toothpastes that contain fluoride are the Fruitilicious Children’s Gel and Outrageous Orange Mango Children’s Toothpaste
https://www.tomsofmaine.com/products/oral-care
Colgate
Kids 2 in 1 Strawberry Smash or Watermellon Toothpaste
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/kids/products/type/toothpaste
Crest
Toothpaste featuring Disney and Marvel characters in flavors like sparkle fun, bubble gum and minty breeze
https://crest.com/en-us/products/kids
If you have questions about your child’s toothpaste, or any issues related to their oral health, please give our office a call. Our trained professionals are always eager to provide the answers you are seeking.