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.

Tough Toothpaste

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:

• Colgate for Kids (Dora, Monster High, SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles, Transformers)
• Colgate® Fresh N’ Protect Toothpaste
• Tom’s of Maine Children’s Gel Fruitilicious
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste for Children (Silly Strawberry, Outrageous Orange Mango)
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Cool! Fluoride Toothpaste

Fantastic Flouride

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:

1. Fluoride stops harmful bacteria from breaking down tooth enamel.
2. Fluoride helps rebuild tooth enamel which has started to break down.
3. Babies also need fluoride so they can strengthen developing teeth, even before teeth push through the gums.
4. Most community drinking water contains enough fluoride to aid in the prevention of tooth decay. Nowadays, you can also get fluoride drinking water bottles.
5. Dentists recommend topical fluoride treatments during a child’s regular cleaning every six months or more frequently if needed.

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!