A: As a general rule, dentists suggest you brush and floss your child's teeth for him until he's coordinated enough to tie his own shoes, usually around age 6. Even at that point you should still remain involved to be sure he's brushing properly.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages 3 to 6. Although it should be avoided if possible, it's safe for your child to swallow this pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. At this age, brushing should always be a team effort.
Most dentists agree that regular toothpaste with whitening ingredients are okay for children to use, but only in small (pea-sized) amounts and when they learn to brush properly, i.e. not too hard! You may also want to consider some of these tips to get your child to brush his or her teeth to keep them pearly white.
Children aged 7 and over
Use fluoride toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm of fluoride (check label). Spit out after brushing and don't rinse – if you rinse, the fluoride won't work as well.From 2 until 7 years old
You can start to use toothpaste, but only use a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing twice a day, at bedtime and one other time during the day. Remember children should never eat or swallow toothpaste.Bottled Water. Bottled water may not have a sufficient amount of fluoride, which is important for preventing tooth decay and promoting oral health. Some bottled waters contain fluoride, and some do not. Fluoride can occur naturally in source waters used for bottling or it can be added.
Should I Whiten My Child's Teeth?
- The best way to handle discoloration is to try to avoid it in the first place.
- Brush at least twice a day (morning and evening) with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Visit your pediatric dentist twice a year for a professional exam and cleaning.
- Avoid foods that stain.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. The recommendation is between 1350ppm and 1500ppm fluoride, and no less than 1000ppm. After brushing, your child should spit out the toothpaste but not rinse with water. This keeps a strengthening layer of fluoride on their teeth.
Antisensitivity toothpaste are not recommended for kids. If a child is having tooth sensitivity problems at this young age, they need to see a dentist. Sensodyne is for adults who are having gum recession issues in which the exposed root surfaces are developing sensitivity.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. The recommendation is between 1350ppm and 1500ppm fluoride, and no less than 1000ppm. After brushing, your child should spit out the toothpaste but not rinse with water. This keeps a strengthening layer of fluoride on their teeth.
After age 6, children should use toothpaste with more fluoride, such as Colgate Sparkling Mint Gel 6+.
Ask your dentist, who can help you decide when your child is ready to start using fluoride toothpaste. Use only a tiny amount of toothpaste. Aim for an amount the size of a grain of rice. Your child is safe to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Sensodyne ProNamel Fresh Breath: This toothpaste is not only good for day-to-day use, but also is the best for sensitive teeth. It is specifically formulated to help protect against the effects of acid erosion.
And the right children's toothpaste will go a long way in helping them master it all.
- Tom's of Main Toddlers Natural Toothpaste.
- Jack N' Jill Natural Organic Toothpaste.
- Orajel My Little Pony Fluoride Toothpaste.
- Aquafresh Kids Pump Cavity Protection Toothpaste.
- NOW XyliWhite Bubblegum Splash Toothpaste Gel.
Jack N' Jill is a natural toothpaste for babies, toddlers and children that is safe to swallow. Jack N' Jill Toothpaste is 100% safe for young children especially because they have a tendency to swallow it, rather than spit it out!
From 2 until 7 years old
You can start to use toothpaste, but only use a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing twice a day, at bedtime and one other time during the day.The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages 3 to 6. Although it should be avoided if possible, it's safe for your child to swallow this pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. At this age, brushing should always be a team effort.
At about age 9, your child can be allowed to brush their own teeth. They can safely use an adult toothpaste variety rather than a child variety. After brushing, your child should spit out the toothpaste, but not rinse with water. This maintains the fluoride concentration on the teeth.
From 0 until 2 years old
- You can start to clean a baby's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
- As more teeth begin to appear, brush the child's teeth with a soft toothbrush and water.
- Do Not Use Toothpaste.
- It may be difficult at first but a baby will become used to this routine.
Brush back and forth on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Gently brush your child's tongue. Encourage your child to brush without swallowing. When your child starts using toothpaste, get him to spit it out.
You can start to use toothpaste, but only use a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Supervise brushing twice a day, at bedtime and one other time during the day. Remember children should never eat or swallow toothpaste. Make sure a child never manages to eat toothpaste from the tube.
While the occasional accidental swallow of toothpaste won't do you harm, the US National Library of Medicine warns that swallowing a large amount of toothpaste that contains fluoride “may cause stomach pain and possible intestinal blockage.”
Best baby and toddler toothpastes
- Tom's of Maine Anticavity Fluoride Children's Toothpaste.
- Burt's Bees Kids Toothpaste.
- Tanner's Tasty Paste Anti-Cavity Fluoride Toothpaste.
- Crest Kids' Cavity Protection Fluoride Toothpaste.
- Colgate Fluoride Toothpaste Cavity Protection for Kids.
- Hello Oral Care SLS-Free Fluoride Toothpaste for Kids.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends using cavity-preventing fluoride toothpaste starting with baby's very first tooth, rather than waiting until age 2 as was previously recommended. Use a rice-grain-sized smear of toothpaste for your baby or toddler, graduating to a pea-sized dollop by age 3.
