Cavity Prevention Should Begin as an Infant – Baby’s Gum and Teeth Care

When Can I Begin Using Toothpaste on My Child’s Teeth?

There is some controversy over this topic due to the amount of fluoride that is added to toothpaste and how much fluoride is found in your city/county’s water supply.  However, if your child is drinking bottled water on a regular basis then your child isn’t getting any fluoride.  According to Babycenter, you can begin using a small amount of toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush as soon as they have teeth.  However, when my older children were younger, I was told not to use any form of toothpaste on their teeth until they are around 2 years old, even the children’s toothpaste.  Ask your child’s doctor what type of toothpaste that they recommend you use for your child’s teeth.

What Types of Toothpaste are Available to Use?

There are several different kind of toothpaste that is available for you to use on your child’s teeth. Choose a type of toothpaste that your child likes to use and make sure that you only use a tiny amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush.

• Fluoride-Free Toothpaste:  This type of toothpaste doesn’t contain any fluoride and some doctors will recommend that you use this type of toothpaste when your baby is less than a year old.  It is safe for your child to swallow and cleans your child’s teeth effectively.  However, this type of toothpaste should be avoided especially if your child doesn’t get enough fluoride.  If your child isn’t getting enough fluoride, it can lead to premature cavities and other dental problems.  For more information read:  “My Awesome, Organic, Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Gave My Toddler Cavities“.
  
• Children’s Formulated Toothpaste:  This type of toothpaste is formulated with children in mind and contains enough fluoride to protect their teeth from cavities.  When I was younger the kids toothpaste only came in several flavors which included a mild mint, fruity flavor, or bubblegum.  However, today there are a wider variety of flavors available on the market so you are bound to find a toothpaste that your child will enjoy using and make brushing their teeth easier.  If you are using this type of toothpaste, it is still important that you don’t allow your child to swallow large amounts of fluoride.  If your child is younger than 18 months old, use a small amount of toothpaste that is around the size of a grain of rice.  Children over the age of 18 months old, can use a pea sized amount of tooth paste on their toothbrush.  Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out when they are finished brushing their teeth instead of swallowing it.
• Regular Adult Toothpaste – You can safely use regular adult toothpaste on your child’s teeth.  Follow the guidelines on the tube of toothpaste to ensure that your baby doesn’t swallow too much fluoride.  If your child is younger than 18 months old, use a small amount of toothpaste that is around the size of a grain of rice.  Children over the age of 18 months old, can use a pea sized amount of tooth paste on their toothbrush.  Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out when they are finished brushing their teeth instead of swallowing it.

When Should I Change Out My Child’s Toothbrush?

You should change your child’s toothbrush as soon as it is showing signs of worn bristles or every three months, which ever comes first.  Make sure that you are picking up a toothbrush that is designed for your child’s small mouth.  The bristles on a child’s tooth brush should be soft so that it doesn’t damage their gums. 

When did you start brushing your child’s teeth?  What type of toothpaste do you use on  your child’s teeth?