At the office of Visalia, one of the most common questions parents ask us is which toothpaste is best for their child. Our professional team is committed to maintaining your child’s excellent oral health — and that also includes guiding you on good dental practices to instill in your child that will last a lifetime.
So let’s start with the basics: toothpaste. Here are some handy toothpaste tips to keep in mind before you buy:
- The power of fluoride: Fluoride plays a key role in strengthening tooth enamel, but toothpaste containing fluoride should only be given to kids age three and over.
- Taste: If you want your child to brush, make sure the toothpaste tastes good – or at least okay. There are lots of flavors to help make the process easier, like strawberry, mint, or bubble gum.
- Watch for abrasives: Not all abrasives were created equal. Adult toothpaste contains harsher abrasives that help remove tough stains, but they’re are too rough for young teeth.
- Look for the ADA seal: The American Dental Association (ADA) regularly evaluates toothpaste for safety and effectiveness. When you buy a child’s toothpaste that has the ADA seal, you can be confident it contains all of the right ingredients to keep your child’s teeth healthy.
- Considerations for the very young: You can start using toothpaste on a toothbrush as soon as your child’s first teeth appear. But fluoride can be harmful to children younger than three, so use fluoride-free toothpaste to start out.
Committed to your child’s oral health:
At the office of Visalia, we offer the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care for your family’s needs. For more information about the services we provide, give us a call today.
