When it comes to your child’s oral health, it is incredibly important to implement effective toothpaste to their daily routine. There are many varieties of toothpaste available, so it can be incredibly difficult to make a final decision for the toothpaste you want your child to use. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to ensure that the toothpaste your child uses is effective and thoroughly cleans their teeth. Ensure that you get their input when choosing toothpaste, as they will be more enthusiastic about brushing their teeth if they have toothpaste that they like.
The Importance of Effective Oral Hygiene
Ensuring that your child’s regular oral hygiene routine is effective is incredibly important in protecting their teeth. Many people underestimate the importance of oral hygiene in the younger years, because the teeth will eventually fall out. The condition that the baby teeth were in will likely have a substantial impact on the health of the adult teeth. In addition, poor oral hygiene forms a habit that can be difficult to break. It is important to teach your children the importance of taking effective care of their teeth every single day. Patience is key in ensuring that your children are effectively brushing their teeth on a regular basis and forming these healthy habits early on.
Tips for Choosing Toothpaste
Choosing toothpaste can seem like an overwhelming prospect, due to the many varieties that are available. Not every toothpaste is made equal and there are certain types of toothpaste that will likely be more effective than others. There are many things that you will want to take under consideration when it is time to choose the appropriate toothpaste. Here are a few tips to help you find the best toothpaste to meet all of your child’s oral health needs. Following these steps can help ensure that the toothpaste is able to effectively and efficiently protect your child’s teeth.
ADA Approved
Obtaining a toothpaste that is ADA approved will provide you peace of mind regarding the effectiveness of the toothpaste. The ADA undertakes rigorous testing before bestowing their seal of approval on a specific toothpaste. All toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval will meet certain standards regarding their effectiveness and ensuring that they meet a set of standards.
Fluoride
Toothpaste that contains fluoride is often the best for both your teeth and the teeth of your children. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It can be implemented to prevent cavities, as well as decrease the likelihood of tooth decay. Ensure that the toothpaste that you choose has a fluoride content of 1000 parts per million to ensure that it is effective. Fluoride is also present in tap water, so keeping your child hydrated can also help to strengthen their teeth and reduce the likelihood of sensitivity.
Avoid Abrasive Ingredients
Some kinds of toothpaste may contain abrasive ingredients, such as plastic microbeads or other components. This can damage the enamel layer of the teeth. This enamel layer won’t grow back after it has worn down, so it is vital to take the steps to protect this layer. Check the ingredients when you are choosing toothpaste to ensure that you avoid toothpaste that contains any of these abrasive ingredients.
Child-Specific Toothpaste
When you choose toothpaste, it is important to pay attention to the differences between adult toothpaste and toothpaste that is intended for children. This is exceptionally important, because some of the ingredients in adult’s toothpaste can be especially harmful when they are swallowed. Children are far more likely to swallow toothpaste than adults, so it is vital to ensure that you only get toothpaste for your child that is intended specifically for their age. These precautions can go a long way toward protecting your child from the harmful effects of potentially toxic ingredients. In addition, the flavors of toothpaste intended for children tend to be far more appealing to them. You should consider allowing them to choose their own toothpaste, as long as it meets the standards listed above.
The Right Toothbrush
The right toothbrush is often as important as choosing the best toothpaste. It is important to refrain from using hard-bristled toothbrushes. These toothbrushes can wear down the enamel of your child’s teeth, which can lead to accelerated damage. Use only soft-bristled toothbrushes unless you are otherwise instructed by your child’s dentist. There are many other varieties of toothbrush that may be beneficial for your child. Some toothbrushes may have timers to ensure that your child brushes for sufficient amounts of time, while others may contain characters that are fun for your child. Allowing them to choose their toothbrush can similarly improve the likelihood that your child will be excited to brush their teeth.
Consult your Dentist
If you are still unsure regarding the ideal toothpaste for your child’s teeth, consult with the experts! We have the knowledge necessary to provide you with some guidance to find the best products for the teeth of your child. In addition, we will know the specifics of the situation, which will help us to determine the best kind of toothpaste for your child. If your child has sensitive teeth or is prone to cavities, we will be able to offer a suggestion to minimize or even eliminate these concerns. It is important to implement the right toothpaste to ensure that your child’s smile remains healthy and in optimal condition.
We care about keeping your child’s teeth in the best possible condition. To meet all of your child’s oral health needs, we offer an array of services to strengthen the teeth and ensure that they remain healthy. Regular dental checkups are incredibly important in keeping your child’s teeth healthy. These checkups allow us to catch possible issues in the early stages, which can help to resolve them before they are allowed to escalate. To learn more about how our services can be implemented to benefit the health of your child’s teeth, contact our experts at Mountain View Pediatric Dentistry today!