The Best Toothpaste For My Child – Our Tips For Healthy Little Smiles

As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, you should start brushing it with a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste. You can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste at the age of 3, and kids can usually start brushing on their own when they turn 5-6 years old.

But what type of toothpaste should you be using for your child? There are a few things you may want to consider. Here are some top tips from Dr. Bob and Kingstowne Dental Specialists that will help you choose a toothpaste that your child will keep your child’s mouth healthy, and that they’ll love to use! 

What Should I Look For In My Child’s Toothpaste?

Not sure what you should be looking for when you head to the drugstore to pick up some toothpaste for your child? Here are a few things you should be on the lookout for. 

1. Fluoride – Everyone should brush with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is safe to use and it’s one of the most effective ways to strengthen teeth and avoid cavities, particularly in kids. Always choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
   
   
2. ADA Seal of Acceptance – The vast majority of toothpaste on store shelves is accepted by the ADA, meaning it meets minimum standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. Avoid any toothpaste that is not ADA-approved.
   
   
3. Low abrasive formula – Young kids are better off with children’s toothpaste that has a low amount of abrasives. Children often brush their teeth quite vigorously, so toothpaste that is more abrasive is not usually a good choice, since it could result in enamel wear.
   
   
4. Child-friendly flavors – Kid’s toothpaste often comes in flavors like bubblegum, grape, cinnamon, and others, which kids tend to enjoy more than the standard mint flavor of “adult” toothpaste.
   
   
5. Branded toothpaste – Lots of kid-focused toothpaste has characters from cartoons, Disney, and other kid-friendly media, which can get kids excited about brushing their teeth.
   

For Best Results, Let Your Child Choose Their Own Toothpaste! 

The best toothpaste for your child is the toothpaste they will actually use! So, especially for older kids who are brushing on their own (5-6 years old) it’s a good idea to take them with you to the store and let them choose their own toothpaste.

They can choose their own flavor, pick a toothpaste with Marvel or Disney characters that they like, and get excited about making their own decision. In turn, this can actually encourage them to be better about brushing and caring for their own teeth. 

Make Sure Your Kids Get Regular Checkups To Keep Their Teeth Healthy! 

At-home brushing is very important for keeping your little one’s teeth healthy and avoiding cavities, but regular dental visits are also an essential precaution for your child. So don’t wait. If your little one is overdue for a visit or needs to see the dentist in Alexandria for the first time, Dr. Bob is here to help. Contact Kingstowne Dental Specialists online now to get the help you need.

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