Picking The Best Toothpaste For Kids

As a parent you probably have a pretty good idea what it takes to take care of your child’s oral hygiene.  Still, we always get a lot of questions on which toothpaste is best for kids.  Is fluoride safe for babies?  What age should they start using toothpaste?  We have rounded up all the answers to your toothpaste related questions and will walk you through how to choose the best toothpaste for kids from infancy and beyond.  

What age should we start using toothpaste?

When your baby gets their first tooth it is time to begin brushing!  Take an infant size toothbrush and a tiny bit of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) and brush away. Fluoride is safe for babies and helps strengthen their teeth!  

How much toothpaste should we be using?

When you use the correct amount of toothpaste your child’s smile can be protected from tooth decay and ensure they aren’t getting too much fluoride.  Here are the amounts of toothpaste we recommend using depending on age:

Children from infants up to age 3 - A tiny dot (size of a grain of rice)

Kids ages 3 and up - Think about the size of a pea

Children and babies should have their teeth brushed with toothpaste two times a day with toothpaste.  Parents will want to supervise their toddlers and young kids when brushing and teach them to spit out the excess toothpaste once they are done brushing.  

What’s the best toothpaste for kids?

When shopping for toothpaste you will always want to look for one that has the ADA seal of acceptance on the packaging.  This seal shows that the toothpaste has been through clinical or laboratory testing to be sure that it was first safe, and second, effective.  In addition to that you can check to see if the toothpaste has fluoride in it, or even look for fun kid-friendly flavors.  We have found that when it tastes good, kids are more excited about brushing.  If you are ever wondering if the toothpaste you are using is doing the trick, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Kurt at your next appointment!

Brushing, flossing, and using a quality toothpaste are all great ways to take care of your children’s oral health.  Another great way to keep teeth healthy and strong is to visit the dentist regularly!  About time for your next visit?  Come see Dr. Kurt and the rest of our wonderful staff here at Wasatch Pediatric Dentistry.  

Schedule your next visit with us today!