Toothpaste Selection
St. Helens, OR
 If you really want to maintain your child’s oral health in the best way possible, it is important that you select the appropriate brand of toothpaste and right sized toothbrush. There is a wide array of products on the market which makes this decision difficult to make. St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry has your back in choosing the right toothpaste for your child, while ensuring a healthy oral hygiene routine.
The Difference Amongst Brands
There are few caustic ingredients that make up majority adult and child toothpaste which help remove stains and plaque. According to experts, the main difference between brands of toothpaste is the flavour, fluoride content and thickness of the paste. Young children between the ages of one and four shouldn’t use fluoride-full pastes as it can ruin their primary teeth.
How to Make Your Selection
Oral care needs to start before the first tooth erupts in a child. As a caretaker, you are allowed to use a wet cloth and rub clean inside the toddler’s mouth along with the lower and up-side of the gums. The teeth should be cleansed in babies right after each feeding. In order to get your child’s teeth cleaning right, our doctors have come up with a few guidelines to make sure you find what is best suited for your little ones.
While looking for the best toothpaste for children, look for the ones that the American Dental Association recommends. Their shiny seal on the box and tube ensures that the safety officers have objectively approved the toothpaste.
Avoid caustic ingredients in toothpaste. Many brands, especially those promoted as “whitening,” usually contain abrasives that can damage enamel.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that reduces tooth decay rather dramatically. However, as parents, you need to ensure that your child spits the toothpaste out and does not swallow it. Excessive fluoride can cause a health condition called fluorosis. For kids too young to spit out toothpaste, use a fluoride-free toothpaste.
If you want to get your child enthusiastic about the brushing process, it is an excellent idea to allow them autonomy in choosing their own toothpaste. Many brand makers and manufacturers formulate child-friendly options that are tooth-friendly with an appealing taste. Adults may shake their heads at why a 3-year-old prefers a bubble gum flavored toothpaste over mint, but the aim is to get your child used to brushing their teeth twice a day, and make this a habit. The right ingredients in the toothpaste hold much more importance than just the flavor of the toothpaste.
Talk to Us
Talk to our experts about your child’s needs. Our doctors know your child and what are the most important factors when choosing the right toothpaste for him or her. Does your little one have sensitive teeth? Our dentist can steer clear of the most abrasive options. If you are hoping to find a brand with organic ingredients but are not sure where to start, our experts can recommend their favorite that fits the bill.
In case you have any questions regarding the toothpaste your child uses or any other matter related to their oral health, please call our office (503) 396-4750 or visit us at St. Helens Pediatric Dentistry. Our highly trained professionals are ever ready to provide the answers you need. |
