You want your children to enjoy all the benefits of proper dental care, from bright teeth to healthy gums. That’s why it’s important to ensure they have everything they need for excellent oral hygiene, including the right toothpaste. The professionals at Hawaii’s Pedodontic Associates offer skilled pediatric dentistry services on Oahu and Maui and share advice for selecting a toothpaste that’s ideal for your kids.

Choosing Toothpaste for Pediatric Dental Care

Look for ADA Approval

Whether you’re buying toothpaste for your kids or yourself, always choose one recommended by the American Dental Association — check the packaging for a label or statement to this effect. You also can ask your pediatric dentist to make a recommendation.

Consider Age Appropriateness

Your child’s age is an important factor for choosing their toothpaste. For children under 3, you might want to select one that doesn’t contain fluoride because it can discolor enamel on teeth that have not erupted. However, many dentists recommend having toddlers use a small smear of fluoridated toothpaste. Any child age 3 or older should use a toothpaste with fluoride to protect them from tooth decay — just make sure they understand they shouldn’t swallow it.

Make Sure It’s Kid-Friendly

Young children aren’t always enthusiastic about dental care and hygiene, so make it seem as exciting and fun as possible. Look for ADA-approved toothpastes that have appealing flavors or feature your child’s favorite TV or movie characters on the tube.

To ensure your child maintains a healthy smile, schedule an appointment with the pediatric dentistry specialists at Hawaii’s Pedodontic Associates. They have offices on Maui and Oahu and understand how to provide dental care for the littlest patients. Visit them online for information about their dentists and follow them on Twitter for more oral health tips. To schedule an exam, call (808) 735-1733 for their Honolulu location, (808) 487-7933 for their Aiea office, or (808) 877-0066 for their Kahului location.