Did you know that part of proper dental hygiene for children is choosing the right toothpaste for them? According to Mountain Home Dentistry Co., one of the most trusted dental clinics here in Mountain Home, ID, there are important factors you should consider when choosing the right toothpaste for children. These factors are essential to ensuring your children have a proper and effective dental hygiene routine.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Toothpaste for Children
Here are some important factors you should consider when choosing the right toothpaste for your children.
1. Fluoride
The first thing you need to consider when choosing the right toothpaste for children is fluoride. Since fluoride is the most important ingredient in toothpaste, you need to choose a toothpaste for your child that contains fluoride, regardless of the brand. Your child’s toothpaste must contain fluoride, as it helps fight off plaque and cavities.
Take note that when your children are brushing their teeth, remind them to spit out the toothpaste afterward to avoid getting too much of it in the body, which can lead to a condition known as fluorosis. You also need to make sure to use the right amount of toothpaste according to the age of your child.
2. Avoid Using Toothpaste with Abrasive Ingredients
Another factor to consider when choosing the right toothpaste for children is the abrasive ingredients. Common types of abrasive ingredients such as calcium carbonate, silica gels, and aluminum oxide are often found on toothpastes as they help in scrubbing off food particles and dental plaque.
The abrasive ingredient you must avoid when choosing toothpaste for children is microbeads, a type of abrasive ingredient that causes environmental problems and can also be harsh on a child’s teeth and enamel.
3. Seal of Approval from the American Dental Association (ADA)
The next crucial factor that a dental hygienist in Mountain Home, ID, would tell you to consider when choosing the right toothpaste for your children is the seal approval of the ADA. You need to make sure to get toothpaste with an ADA logo on it, as this marks their seal of approval for the toothpaste’s effectiveness.
4. Flavor
The fourth essential factor you need to consider when choosing the right toothpaste for children is the flavor. Since many children are not very fond of brushing their teeth, the best way to convince them to do so is to choose a toothpaste that tastes good. Most children prefer fruit-flavored toothpaste. Remember to always choose a kid-friendly option.
5. Seeking Advice from the Professionals
Finally, if you are not sure of what toothpaste you should get for your children, it’s always best to seek advice from your child’s pediatric dentist. They will know the best kinds and brands of toothpaste that your children should use according to their age.
Finally
These are only some of the critical factors that your dental hygienist in Mountain Home, ID would recommend you check when choosing and getting the right toothpaste for your children. If you need more professional advice, please do not hesitate to call Mountain Home Dentistry Co. at 208-587-1111 and we will gladly and willingly be of help.