When Should Kids Start Using Toothpaste?

IT’S COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT TAKING CARE OF THE SMALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY IS A FULL-TIME JOB. Along with bath time, diaper changes, and medical checkups, parents also need to take care of their children’s teeth, but what are the best ways to go about caring for those baby teeth and gums during those early years?

Birth To 18 Months: No Toothpaste Required!

Like most dentists, here at Hammond & Ellis we believe that oral care is important for everyone—no matter their age. Children’s teeth should be cleaned as soon as they begin to come in. For babies under 18 months, the best way to clean their is with a wet cloth or guaze without toothpaste. Place the cloth over your finger tip and gently rub your child’s teeth and gums. Along with nursing and drinking water, this is all the oral hygiene that your child needs at this young stage. Once a more “full set” of teeth has come in, use a small, soft toothbrush to brush your child’s teeth with water.

When To Start Toothpaste? 18 Months

As a general rule, children should not use toothpaste until they are at least 18 months old—and when they do start using toothpaste, make sure it is a safe “children’s toothpaste” made especially for their young teeth. Because of the difference between the dental needs of kids and grownups, children’s toothpaste is made differently than ours.

What To Look For In A Children’s Toothpaste:

• SAFE TO SWALLOW: Kids love to swallow their toothpaste instead of spitting it out when they first start brushing so we recommend that your children’s toothpaste is formulated with this in mind.
• CONSIDER LOW-FLUORIDE CHILDREN’S TOOTHPASTE: As adults, we’re used to find fluoride-rich toothpaste as it is an important element of keeping teeth healthy and strong, but too much fluoride can be harmful for young children. Several varieties of children’s toothpaste have lower amounts of fluoride or are fluoride-free.
• FUN FLAVORS: Whether or not a child will enjoy brushing their teeth depends largely on how much they like the flavor of their toothpaste—so try some different flavors and see what your child likes. Some children, especially at the toddler stage, are very picky about flavors and might be reluctant to use a certain flavor of toothpaste so be prepared to buy a few different varieties till you have a winner.
• USE ONLY A PEA-SIZED AMOUNT: Children don’t need very much toothpaste for it to be effective so just squeeze a small pea-size amount onto the toothbrush—you don’t want your child to swallow more than they have to.

When can children use adult toothpastes?

Once your child is able to spit out most of their toothpaste after brushing they are ready for an adult toothpaste with fluoride. Typically, this happens around age 4-6. However, make sure they are still only using a “pea-size” amount.

REMEMBER: Brushing your child’s teeth is a crucial part of parenting. By taking the time to clean your child’s teeth twice a day with a specially-formulated children’s toothpaste, you will be helping to create a lifetime of healthy dental habits and happy smiles!

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page or direct message us on Twitter with any other questions you might have about dental care for the little ones, or feel free to come visit our office so that we may speak with you directly. We look forward to hearing from you!