Does your child kick up a stink when it’s time to brush their teeth? Have you thought about the reasons why they don’t like it? In some cases it can actually be down to the toothpaste they are using, rather than the act of brushing. It is really worth shopping around to find the best toothpaste for your child. You never know, getting them to join in choosing a toothpaste might actually make them more inclined to brush their teeth.
Milk teeth
Although your child will lose their milk teeth as they get older, it is still important that they look after them during their early years. Milk teeth play a huge role in the development of the jaw as well as the spacing and alignment of adult teeth.
What’s the difference?
Contrary to popular belief, not all toothpastes are the same and there will be some that your child prefers over others. Most will contain fluoride, abrasives and flavoring, but they will have different consistencies and tastes.
Here are some important things that parents should keep in mind when finding the best toothpaste for your child:
Fluoride
Most toothpastes found on the shelves contain a substance called fluoride, which is designed to help prevent cavities. However, too much fluoride can be harmful to young children and can cause fluorosis.
A recent report suggests that parents should be using toothpastes with stronger concentrations of fluoride as their children’s teeth may not be adequately protected. If you are using a toothpaste with fluoride, make sure that your kids are only using a pea-sized amount and are spitting out correctly.
In general, it’s safe to say that the benefits of using fluoride toothpaste outweigh the risks of developing fluorosis.
Abrasives
All toothpastes contain abrasives, as these are used to rid the teeth of stains and plaque. As with fluoride, it’s important to get the right balance of abrasive as too much can be quite harsh for younger children.
Flavoring
Children are more likely to enjoy cleaning their teeth with a fruity flavored toothpaste than the strong peppermint or spearmint flavors we are used to. Allow your child to try a few types until they find one they like.
If you’re concerned about choosing the best toothpaste for your child, or just want further dental advice, speak to your dentist at your next check-up.
