Toothpaste Selection When you walk into the store to buy your child’s toothpaste, that wall of options can be a little intimidating. We here at Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry thought you could use a few tips when choosing what’s best for your child’s teeth. The ADA SealAs dentists, we’re biased, but make sure that any toothpaste you buy always has the seal of the American Dental Association! The ADA makes sure any product they stamp their seal of approval on lives up to the claims they make. While fancy marketing and cute endorsements from your child’s favorite movies can grab their attention, you should be cautious of any product without the ADA endorsement. FluorideYou’ll hear this again and again when picking out a toothpaste for your child; fluoride is crucial for the healthy development of their teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that can be found naturally and is one of the best defenses against tooth decay. Not only does it help strengthen teeth, but it can prevent cavities and the gunky build-up that becomes plaque. Until all their permanent teeth come in, make sure you’re always using toothpaste with fluoride. But a little can go a long way. Very young children don’t need as much fluoride as they already get some in tap water. While there’s no harm in swallowing toothpaste, many young children do so accidentally. Choosing a paste with a fluoride content of less than 1000 ppm for children under two can help avoid any potential upset tummies. Let Your Child ChooseWe don’t mean let them choose any toothpaste at random, but take them over to the kid’s section and give them a few different options they can pick from. Allowing them to choose helps empower them to make their own decisions about their dental health, setting them up for oral success for the rest of their lives. Flavors Galore!Pick flavors you know they’ll like while avoiding typical adult flavors like mint. Some popular favorites are strawberry and watermelon. If your child is having trouble brushing for the full recommended two minutes, it might be because they don’t like the flavor of the toothpaste they’re using, so giving them a few different options to choose from can let them experiment. Stay Away From Whitening PastesYou want to avoid any kinds of toothpaste that advertise themselves as having whitening properties. While fine for adults, the harsh abrasives in these products can damage the enamel of young children’s teeth. Choose Healthy Teeth for Your Kids Today!Choosing the right toothpaste is just the first step in making sure your child’s smile is always a million watts. At Smile Kids! Pediatric Dentistry we’re committed to helping your child have the best teeth they can have. We’ve got even more tips for helping you find toothpastes with organic ingredients, avoiding brands unfriendly to sensitive teeth, and other important factors. Call us now at (276) 663-0065 to learn more about what kinds of toothpastes would work best for you and your family, or to schedule an appointment. |
 Phone(276) 663-0065 HoursMon: 9:30am - 4pm Tues: 9:30am - 4pm Wed: 9:30am - 4pm Thurs: 9:30am - 4pm Friday: 9:30am - 4pm Saturday: We are open one Saturday a month by appointment. We are closed for federal Holidays. |
