Toothpaste and fluoride: the dental hero dream team. They battle the evil, cavity causing bacteria in your child’s mouth. They use their superpowers to win the fight against decay and gum disease.
After your childs first tooth peaks out, you should start brushing. Use a smear (about the size of a rice grain) of fluoridated toothpaste with an age-appropriate toothbrush and help your little one brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed.
Continue to use a smear of toothpaste until your toddler reaches two-three years of age. When they are old enough and able to spit effectively, switch to a pea-size amount. Keep helping your child brush his teeth twice a day until age 8, when they develop enough dexterity in their hands to be able to brush their entire mouth effectively.
A lot of parents ask us what toothpaste they should get for their little one. We recommend a fluoridated toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Here are a few kid-friendly brands:
To get the ADA’s Seal, a toothpaste must contain fluoride. What is fluoride? It is the magical ingredient that gives toothpaste its super powers. Here are some fun facts about fluoride:
Get a fluoridated toothpaste and schedule a pediatric dental visit every six months to get fluoride varnish applied. Give your child the Healthy Mouth Heroes they need to fight cavities!