What Toothpaste Should Your Child Use?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is paramount in preventing tooth decay and other common dental conditions. And when it comes to kids, picking a good toothpaste is an essential factor in getting them to brush and take care of their teeth daily.

Here are four tips to remember when choosing a toothpaste for your child.

Look for the ADA Seal
When finding your child’s oral care products, a good place to start is to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. If you find the seal, this means the ADA guarantees product has been tested for effectiveness and proper ingredients.

Fluoride
The American Dental Association recommends the use of fluoridated toothpaste to prevent cavities. The most important thing, however, is to ensure your child spits out all the toothpaste and rinses their mouth thoroughly, as ingesting too much fluoride may lead to fluorosis.

Watch Out for Abrasives
Some toothpastes contain harsh abrasives that can erode a kid’s enamel or cause problems like gum erosion. Avoid common abrasives like calcium carbonate, silicates, hydrated aluminum oxides, magnesium carbonate, etc.

Great Flavors
Most kids can’t tolerate minty toothpastes as these can be a bit tingly and spicy for their sensitive palates. Find fun, pleasant flavors such as watermelon, strawberry, berry, or bubblegum that encourage your kids to brush, at least willingly.

The knowledgeable dentists at Highland Pediatric Dental have all the information you need to pick the right oral care products for your kids. We are happy to help and answer any questions you may have. To set an appointment for your child, call us at 910-485-8749.

*Stock photographs and artwork are for illustrative purposes only. **This blog/post contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. You must not rely on this blog/post as an alternative to medical advice from your dentist or other healthcare providers. Please see our full disclaimer at www.HighlandPediatricDental.com.