In today's world, there are a plethora of toothpaste options available. Some toothpastes are marketed towards adults, while others are marketed for children. While many choices allow parents the ability to customize their child's brushing experience, it can also make selecting a toothpaste difficult.
If you're a little confused about what type of toothpaste is best for your child, don't worry. With these three tips, it will be much easier to choose a toothpaste that is good for your child:
1. Avoid Coarse Abrasives
There are a lot of toothpastes on the market that contain rough or harsh abrasives. While these abrasives are good for adult teeth, they aren't something that children should be using. A toothpaste that contains a harsh abrasive can be dangerous, as it will remove the enamel on your child's teeth. The best way to ensure that a toothpaste is safe for your child is to look at its age range. If it is still a little confusing, don't worry. You can always ask your kid's dentist for toothpaste recommendations.
2. Fluoride is Important
It is also important to look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride. The fluoride in the toothpaste will help keep your child's teeth strong. It will also help to protect teeth from plaque and cavities. However, it is important to monitor your child while they brush. Since fluoride can be dangerous if ingested in large quantities, it is important that you watch your child while they brush. Additionally, make sure you only put a small amount of the toothpaste on the brush. If your child is still a toddler, you might consider asking your dentist for recommendations or even prescription toothpastes that are designed for young children.
3. Make It Flavorful
Finally, make brushing fun for your child by choosing a fun flavor. While flavor obviously isn't all that important to oral health, it can make your child a lot more eager to brush. If your child doesn't like minty toothpaste, opt for a fun flavor such as bubblegum. Other fun flavors to try include fruity flavors, or even exotic flavors such as bacon. If you aren't sure what flavor your child will like, bring them to the store with you and let them pick.
While selecting a toothpaste for your child might seem like a difficult task, it doesn't have to be. With these tips, and advice from your pediatric dentist, you'll be well on your way to creating a fun and healthy routine for your child.
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