Your child’s dental health is easily neglected, in fact, a quarter of five-year-olds in England have tooth decay. Kids of any age really need to take proper care of their smile – and the earlier they crack it, the better. Not only do our dentists recommend devising a good dental routine as soon as the first tooth starts to poke through, but we can also help with finding the right products to factor into your care. After all, making your oral health a habit can mean your child enjoys a healthy, happy smile well into adulthood.
So, what toothpaste should I try?
Toothpaste is a cornerstone of any good oral health routine – you won’t get far without it! Even though alternatives have gained in popularity in recent years, our experts always recommend branded toothpaste when brushing your smile. However, the products we suggest will depend on the age of your child.
What toothpaste is suitable for my baby?
As mentioned, brushing as soon as the first tooth comes through is so important, that for babies, using a baby toothbrush alongside their toothpaste is essential. A finger brush is often all that’s needed. When it comes to the toothpaste itself, you’ll need to check the fluoride content. Too little, and it won’t help protect those tiny teeth. Too much, and it can cause problems if your little one has a tendency to swallow toothpaste. We’d suggest starting with a tiny smear of toothpaste, using a product that’s at least 1,000ppm (parts per million, i.e the fluoride content).
What about young children?
Kids up to the age of 6 can use fluoride of 1,000ppm but might need a larger amount – perhaps a pea-sized amount. You’ll need to supervise their brushing, and can encourage them to get involved through songs, timers, colourful accessories and rewards like stickers or toys. Demonstrate to yourself if they get stuck and always be prepared to step in!
What about older kids?
Once a child is aged 6-7, they can start on the adult toothpaste. This one will need to be no more than 1,500ppm. At this age, your kid might have developed some bad habits (like thumb-sucking), so try and curb these before they do harm to their teeth. Our dentists can advise you if you’re stuck.
What about teenagers?
Sometimes, teens can need an incentive to invest in their oral care routine – but it’s really worth doing if it makes them brush and floss twice a day. They’ll still need a pea-sized amount of adult toothpaste for the best results.
Talk to us
If you’re finding choosing a toothpaste tricky, or need tips on encouraging brushing, our experts based in Lancaster can help. Just get in touch for our tailored advice.