Toothpaste for Toddlers 101
The importance of good oral hygiene in toddlers goes beyond having bright, healthy smiles. Toddlers who have excellent oral hygiene are usually healthier and more cheerful than those who have dental problems.
Good oral hygiene should begin during infancy – whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, you should introduce some kind of dental hygiene routine as early as possible. You can use gauze or a moist washcloth to clean your child’s gums before any teeth emerge.
Once teeth start to erupt, you will need to keep them clean using a toothbrush and toothpaste manufactured specifically for toddlers.
What to Look for in a Toothpaste for Toddlers
When your child’s first teeth emerge, you should implement good oral hygiene practices so that your child will have strong and healthy teeth and gums, as they get older.
If you want to avoid distressing trips to a pediatric dentist due to substandard dental hygiene, you need to buy the right toothpaste for your child, as good toothpaste can transform the overall oral health of your child.
With a wide variety of toddler toothpaste available on the market, identifying the best one for your child can be overwhelming. Below we’ll outline a few things to consider when choosing a toothpaste for a toddler to help you make an educated decision about which product is right for your child.
Certified Toothpaste
It is wise to pick a toothpaste that has been certified as a safe and reliable product in upholding maximum dental health. Make sure you are purchasing a product approved by the relevant body in your area by checking the seal of approval that can be found on the toothpaste tube and box.
Avoid Harsh Abrasives
Selecting age appropriate toothpaste for your toddler is imperative. Some toothpaste contains unpleasant ingredients that may wear away new tooth enamel, which is the outer covering of the teeth. Although abrasives can get rid of sticky deposits from the teeth, large quantities of alumina and phosphates in certain kinds of toothpaste may cause too much sensitivity for young teeth.
Enjoyable Flavors
While flavor may not directly contribute to good oral health, choosing toothpaste that tastes good to your child may make him or her more enthusiastic about the regimen of brushing their teeth.
Some toddlers loathe minty toothpaste since they feel it’s too hot on the tongue, and it may also trigger tingling in their mouth. Although most adults favor these flavors, children will always look forward to the routine of brushing when enjoyable toothpaste flavors like bubble gum and strawberry are provided.
Fluoride Content
Fluoride is essential for healthy, white teeth and also helps to keep tooth decay at bay. Use fluoride toothpaste once your child is capable of spitting out the toothpaste after brushing.
Is There a Toothpaste for Toddlers That's Safe to Swallow?
Although it’s cute to watch your toddler grinning with toothpaste foam in their mouths, it is disturbing to know that the foam is packed with chemicals. Thus, toothpaste for toddlers should be safe to swallow.
Getting a safe to swallow toothpaste for your child allows you to concentrate on thoroughly brushing their teeth rather than struggling to get your toddler to spit out the foam. When searching for toothpaste for toddlers, look for ones that are labeled fluoride-free.
The Role of Pediatric Dentists and Your Toddler's Teeth
Another strategy for ensuring your toddler has good oral hygiene is scheduling a dental visit before his or her first birthday. A competent pediatric dentist will boost your baby’s dental health by removing plaque accumulation and food debris, which may be trapped between teeth.
A reliable pediatric dentist will offer you professional advice on the best tips for improving your child’s oral hygiene. This advice typically consists of the correct method of flossing and brushing your child’s teeth and further information depending on the precise condition of your child’s teeth.
Dentists also address the topic of your toddler’s feeding habits and discuss strategies you should adopt to keep the gums and teeth of your child protected.
Conclusion
Although reading labels can offer valuable information, it is a wise idea to talk to your pediatric dentist to choose the best toothpaste for your child.
If your child struggles with oral hygiene, using a day-to-day chart to keep track of their teeth brushing routine and offering rewards for attaining specific milestones may be helpful. Such moves will make the process more enjoyable and at the same time maintain your child’s oral hygiene at an optimal level.