Children’s Toothpaste Debate
When we think of putting something in our mouths we usually hope that it will taste good. The same goes for when we are brushing our teeth. It is very important to start children practicing good oral hygiene routines, but does the Elmo grape flavor on the bottle give children the same results as standard “adult” toothpaste?
CHILDREN’S TOOTHPASTE
Just like many different health products children’s toothpaste has a lot of different varieties from Star Wars Jedi, Disney Princesses, Mickey Mouse, and even animated fruit. They all promise strawberry, watermelon, bubblegum, and multiple other flavors to help your child learn to enjoy brushing their teeth. But which one of these toothpastes specifically for children helps fight cavities and helps their oral hygiene the most? Researching experts in pediatric dentistry say any of them, as long as the toothpaste contains fluoride and is used twice a day to help prevent and remove the buildup of tartar and plaque especially around the gum line. While the fun flavors and characters can help encourage your children to brush their teeth, it is important to remember that proper brushing techniques and education are key.
WHEN TO START BRUSHING
It has be said that brushing should only start after twenty-four months of age, but a recent study by the American Dental Association says brushing should occur as soon as the first tooth comes in. A grain of rice-sized amount of toothpaste should be used with children younger than three years and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children ages three to six. This is so even if a child does swallow the toothpaste there is not a giant amount of fluoride in their system, which can lead to fluorosis, a developmental issues in adult teeth and discoloration. Dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease according to the Control for Disease Center. If you have any questions or concerns about when to start brushing your child’s teeth or the use of fluoride come visit us at our office in Medford, Oregon!