Good oral hygiene is important for kids as well as adults. Getting little ones to brush their teeth is easier if you have a fantastic tasting toothpaste. While they want flavor, you want a product that is also excellent for their teeth. Children’s dentist Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, serving Avon, OH, can help you select the right toothpaste for your child. Refer to their guide below to start. 

The Best Toothpaste for Kids

1. Why Fluoride Is Important

Fluoride has been a component of toothpaste since the 1800s. It strengthens the teeth by restoring the enamel on the surface of the tooth and prevents cavities and decay. Fluoride is safe for children over the age of two, and there is minimal risk of dental fluorosis for those over the age of eight. 

2. How Kids Should Use Toothpaste

For children under the age of two, most children’s dentists recommend a fluoride-free baby toothpaste and soft-bristle brush. A tiny amount is sufficient to clean the teeth. For children over the age of two, choose an ADA®-approved fluoride toothpaste. Use a pea size-amount and don’t let children swallow the product. A soft-bristle brush is still best.

3. Other Ingredients to Know About

Most fluoride toothpaste products have other ingredients that remove stains, work on plaque, and so on. Even children’s brands may contain “extra” ingredients. This includes sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which creates the foaming action of the paste. SLS is linked to an increased occurrence of canker sores. Whether or not to use products with these extra ingredients is a personal choice, but children’s dentist Dr. Crowell suggests that most children do not need extra strength or whitening toothpaste, and products do not have to “foam” to be effective. 

Start regular oral hygiene routines with kids when they are small, and use a fluoride toothpaste as suggested by your children’s dentist. Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates in Avon, OH, offers pediatric dentistry for all ages. Her office does sedation, laser dentistry, preventive care, orthodontia, and more. Call (440) 934-0149 for an appointment or go to the website for resources, services, and office information.