It can be overwhelming to evaluate the many oral care products marketed as “best for children.” Selecting a properly sized toothbrush and a gentle, effective children’s toothpaste is essential for maintaining excellent oral health.

Why brush primary teeth?

The importance of maintaining healthy primary (baby) teeth is often underestimated. Primary teeth are vital for speech development, chewing, jaw growth, and they also guide the proper alignment and spacing of permanent adult teeth. Brushing baby teeth prevents bad breath and tooth decay, and it also removes the plaque bacteria that can lead to childhood gum disease.

What Differences Are There Among Toothpaste Brands?

While not all toothpastes are the same, most brands generally contain mild abrasives to remove stains, gentle cleansing agents to eliminate plaque, fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel, and a pleasant-tasting flavoring.

The main differences between brands are the consistency of the paste, the amount of fluoride included, and the type of flavoring used. While fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent plaque, too much fluoride can actually harm young teeth – a condition called dental fluorosis. Children between the ages of one and four years old are most susceptible to this, so fluoride levels should be carefully monitored during this time.

It's important to be aware that adult and non-ADA approved brands of toothpaste often contain stronger abrasives, which can wear down tooth enamel and weaken primary teeth. Additionally, some popular toothpaste brands contain sodium lauryl sulfate (listed as “SLS” on the packaging), which can cause painful mouth ulcers in some children.

So Which Toothpaste Brand Should I Choose?

At Sky Pediatric Dentistry's Brush-Up Center, we offer a fun Toothpaste Try-Out station! Parents and kids can sample various toothpastes to find one with the texture and taste that kids will enjoy and use! Dr. Ashley understands that finding the 'just right' toothpaste for your child can be a challenge. We hope our Toothpaste Try-Out station makes this decision easier for you!

Once your child has several teeth, usually before the age of two, brushing should begin. We recommend using a smear-sized amount of your child's preferred toothpaste. Dr. Ashley and the Sky Pediatric Dentistry team can help you determine if a fluoride-containing toothpaste is necessary for your child before they turn two.

For children aged 2-5 years old, use a pea-sized amount of a fluoride toothpaste. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the toothpaste packaging. Encourage your child to spit out any excess after brushing. If your child swallows a tiny amount of toothpaste, don’t worry; this is perfectly normal and will decrease over time with encouragement.
If you have any questions or concerns about selecting the right toothpaste for your child, Dr. Ashley and the Sky Pediatric Dentistry team will be happy to provide personalized recommendations based on your child's specific needs.