What type of toothpaste should I use for my children?
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American Dental Association answered:Beginning around age 2, when your child is able to spit out toothpaste, use a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride provides an added tooth decay prevention benefit.
You can also look for products with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to help you make good choices. When you see the ADA Seal on a package, you can be sure the product inside has been thoroughly evaluated to be safe and effective.
Beginning around age 2, when your child is able to spit out toothpaste, use a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride provides an added tooth decay prevention benefit. You can also look for products with the American Dental Association Seal of... More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:There are many toothpastes available for children. Make sure, however, that the toothpaste you buy for your very young child does not contain fluoride, as young children have not yet learned how to spit and fluoride can be harmful if swallowed. By pre-school age your child can use a toothpaste with fluoride, but until your child is 6 years old make sure to use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush. Help your child brush his or her teeth until you are confident they can do so on their own safely. Fluoride is beneficial in toothpaste because it helps keep teeth strong and protects against tooth decay.
There are many toothpastes available for children. Make sure, however, that the toothpaste you buy for your very young child does not contain fluoride, as young children have not yet learned how to spit and fluoride can be harmful if... More -
Dr. Jonathan B. Levine answered:If you've got kids, you know how important it is to emphasize proper brushing habits. There are some great-tasting children’s toothpastes that not only use flavoring, but also have anti-cariogenic (translation: decay-preventing) effects. Look for ingredient names like Xylitol and Sorbitol. Products containing these may be a bit more expensive, but just think of all the money you could be saving in cavity-filling costs down the road! Try Tom's of Maine Natural Anti Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste in Outrageous Orange-Mango and Silly Strawberry.
If you've got kids, you know how important it is to emphasize proper brushing habits. There are some great-tasting children’s toothpastes that not only use flavoring, but also have anti-cariogenic (translation: decay-preventing)... More
