When Is The Best Age To Start Using Toothpaste?

IF YOU’RE A PARENT, YOU KNOW THAT TAKING CARE OF THE SMALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY IS A FULL-TIME JOB. Along with bath time, nursing, naps, diaper changes, and medical checkups, parents also need to take care of their children’s teeth. But,  what exactly are the best ways to go about caring for baby teeth during those early years?

Birth To 18 Months: No Toothpaste Required!

Here at Dynamic Smile Design, Dr. Puig believes that oral care is important for everyone—no matter how old they are. Get in the habit of cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they start to come in. However, for babies younger than 18 months, the best way to clean your child’s teeth is without toothpaste. Instead, cover your finger with a cloth and gently rub their teeth and gums. This, along with drinking lots of water and nursing, is all the oral hygiene that your young child needs. Once a more “full set” of teeth comes in, use a small, soft toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth with water.

When To Start Toothpaste? 18 Months

Children should not start using toothpaste until they are at least 18 months old—and when they do start using toothpaste, make sure it is safe “children’s toothpaste,” made especially for young ones. Children and adults have different dental needs, so children’s toothpaste is made with their specific needs in mind.

What To Look For In A Children’s Toothpaste:

• SAFE TO SWALLOW: While brushing, young kids tend to swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out, so make sure you buy a brand that takes this into consideration and is kid-friendly.
• FUN FLAVORS: Try some different flavors of toothpaste and see what your child likes. Chances are, your child will be reluctant to use certain flavors of toothpaste so be prepared to buy a few different varieties till you find a winner.
• CONSIDER LOW-FLUORIDE CHILDREN’S TOOTHPASTE: Though fluoride is an important element in keeping teeth healthy and strong, too much of it can be harmful for young children. Several varieties of children’s toothpaste have lower amounts of fluoride or are fluoride-free.
• USE ONLY A PEA-SIZED AMOUNT: Don’t use too much toothpaste—just squeeze a small, pea-size (or smaller) amount onto the toothbrush so that not too much is swallowed. Your child doesn’s need much toothpaste to be affective.

When can my child use an adult toothpaste?

As a general rule, once your child is old enough to successfully spit out their toothpaste instead of swallowing it, they are ready for a grown-up toothpaste with fluoride. Usually, this is around age 4-6. However, they should still only use a “pea-size” amount.

REMEMBER: Brushing your child’s teeth is a vital part of parenting, and should be started at a young age. By taking the time each day to clean your child’s teeth after breakfast and before bed, with a specially-formulated children’s toothpaste, you will help create a lifetime of healthy dental habits and happy smiles!

Feel free to leave us a comment on our Facebook Page or direct message us on Twitter with any other questions you might have about toothpaste for the little ones. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.