If you have children, you already know how difficult it can be to get them to brush their teeth. Oftentimes they’ll end up fighting you every step of the way! That’s why it’s important to pick a toothpaste that will help them prevent cavities. It’s also important to pick one they will like. There are a few things to consider when it comes to deciding which toothpaste to buy for your kid. Read on as a pediatric dentist tells you what you need to know to make this choice.
What Difference Does the Type of Toothpaste Make?
As you probably know by now, children can get picky about anything and everything, including the flavor of their toothpaste. Their taste buds are often more sensitive to flavors in adult toothpastes, like mint. They’ll do better with flavors made specifically for kids, like bubblegum or grape.
Taste isn’t the only thing kids can be picky about. The cartoon character on the bottle of toothpaste can be enough to encourage or discourage a kid from using it. For example, if your daughter loves My Little Pony, getting toothpaste with characters from that show on the bottle can be enough to inspire her to brush. On the flip side, if she hates Dora the Explorer, getting her toothpaste with Dora can cause her to avoid her toothbrush like the plague.
Should I Use Fluoride Toothpaste?
Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. It is recommended that your little one start brushing their teeth with fluoride as soon as possible.
The main thing to consider in answering this question is whether your child is capable of spitting after brushing. Many children under the age of six have trouble with this, and they end up swallowing leftover toothpaste. This can lead to stomachaches and, over time, fluorosis. Fluorosis is the appearance of faint white streaks on baby teeth when children consume too much fluoride. It’s subtle and doesn’t affect the teeth’s health.
Of course, it’s best not to judge on age alone. Evaluate your kid’s ability to spit out leftover toothpaste and use your best judgment. If they have mastered spitting by themselves, then it’s best to start using a fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities.
How Else Can You Prevent Your Kids from Having Cavities?
Making sure your son or daughter brushes their teeth isn’t the only thing that will affect their oral health. Here are some other ways to help them maintain a healthy mouth:
- Starting around the age of one year, schedule a regular checkup with your pediatric dentist every six months. They can help determine what to do to maintain your child’s oral health.
- Encourage your son or daughter to brush for two full minutes by playing their favorite song or a game during that time.
- If your kid can spit, using a fluoride mouthwash is another excellent method of preventing decay.
- If your child can’t spit, you could opt to have a fluoride treatment at their next dental checkup. That way they are still protected against decay.
You can’t be too careful when choosing a toothpaste for your kid, particularly if you have a very young one. Consulting a dentist for toddlers can help you make the decision. They’re her to help make sure your child develops a beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Lily is a pediatric dentist in Garland, TX. While in college, she worked in a special needs classroom, and the experience changed her life. It sparked her interest in working with children, particularly those with special needs. She provides a level of care for these children that is hard to find. For questions about her practice, you can visit her website or call (469)-925-0861.