Many parents are concerned about the safety and usage of fluoride toothpaste for their children. This is common and completely natural when trying to figure out what’s best for your child. When it comes to yours, it’s important to teach them about developing proper oral hygiene habits by using the right products right from the start. So they can grow and be proud their healthy and happy smiles. If you are wondering whether the use of fluoridated toothpaste is safe for your kids and toddlers, this blog post is the right place for you.

Fluoride is a mineral added to toothpaste to prevent cavities, reduce the demineralization process, limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity and prevent tooth decay. It is safe for toddlers (12 months or older) and kids to use fluoride toothpaste. However, it is extremely important to use a specified amount of toothpaste. The ideal amount is equivalent to the size of a pea (or a rice grain for under 3 years). Supervise your kids when they are brushing and set a good example by brushing with them.

What is the importance of using fluoridated toothpaste?

There is a natural protective layer covering your child’s teeth called enamel. However, the enamel can be destroyed due to excessive sugar intake or poor oral hygiene and can lead to a plethora of oral diseases. Some of these include; tooth decay and dental cavities. The accumulation of bacteria in the mouth can give rise to the formation of plaque or calculus that leads to periodontal diseases and bleeding gums.

Luckily, using fluoride toothpaste can help prevent all these diseases. Fluoride is scientifically proven to strengthen the enamel and protect it from bacterial attack. It safeguards teeth by making them stronger and resistant to acids. Non-fluoridated toothpaste doesn’t provide adequate protection against tooth decay and dental caries. This is why using fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children and toddlers.

What is the right age for my child to start using a fluoride toothpaste?

As soon as the deciduous (baby) teeth erupt in your child’s mouth, start teaching them about brushing. For toddlers (12 months-3 years), it is recommended that you brush your kid’s teeth and tongue yourself gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure that you are using pea or rice grain sized toothpaste.

For kids (3-7 years), supervised brushing is recommended.

Do I need to worry if my child swallows the fluoride toothpaste?

Kids, being the curious creatures that they are, love to taste and swallow the tempting minty taste of fluoridated toothpaste. Being a parent, it is natural to be concerned about dental fluorosis or fluoride toxicity if your child swallows toothpaste while brushing. Fluoride is not dangerous in small amounts, like the amount in children’s toothpaste. But making sure that it is not a habit is important. It is suggested that you supervise them to prevent swallowing and keep all the toothpaste tubes out of the reach of children. Once your kiddo starts using toothpaste, encourage him/her to spit it out after brushing and rinse the mouth properly.

Brushing guidelines                                                   

Here are some tips that will help you to take care of your child’s smile:

  1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move it gently in a circular motion to clean the inner and outer portions of teeth. Also, brush back and forth on the chewing surfaces.
  2. Make sure to use toothpaste tubes carefully and supervise when applying tooth paste
  3. Only use rice grain or pea size amount! And brush in gentle circular motions.
  4. Fluoride is safe for children when ingested just don’t make it a habit!
  5. Supervise your kids when they are brushing.
  6. Don’t forget to clean the tongue!
  7. Make it fun! Sing along with your kids when they are brushing their teeth to make it more enjoyable. You can also brush along them to encourage them for tooth brushing and make it a fun regimen. Let them play or bring their favorite toys while tooth brushing. Remember to be patient with little angels as it takes them some time to learn and adapt to tooth brushing.

Hope the above tips prove to be helpful for you. For any queries or concerns, visit your nearest pediatric dentist immediately. Happy brushing!

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