When it comes to toothpaste, there are many different options from the flavors to specific formulas. You’ll even come across tubes of toothpaste designed specifically for kids. Are all these different variations actually helpful, or is kid’s toothpaste just a marketing gimmick? Parkcrest Dental Group is here to explain the usefulness of children’s toothpaste.
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What Is The Main Difference?
The real difference between children’s toothpaste and regular toothpaste is the amount of fluoride it contains. Fluoride can be found naturally in many food items and drinking water. The purpose of fluoride is to strengthen your tooth enamel to keep your teeth from being damaged too easily. Adults need a good amount of fluoride each day, but for kids, not so much. Typically, children’s toothpaste doesn’t contain large amounts of fluoride compared to regular toothpaste. Children who receive too much fluoride can get fluorosis, which can be identified as little white specks on your teeth. If you start to notice these white stains on your child’s teeth, don’t panic, as fluorosis can easily be treated.
Another difference between normal toothpaste and children’s toothpaste is that toothpaste designed for kids is safe to swallow. Teaching your kids to brush may not be a simple task, and some toothpaste may be swallowed during the process. If your child is using children’s toothpaste, it’s less likely to harm them if they happen to ingest it.
When Should My Child Start Using Children’s Toothpaste?
As soon as your child’s first tooth begins to appear you can start them on the path to brushing. Adult toothpaste may contain too much fluoride, so this is a good time to use a children’s toothpaste. Start off with a pea-sized amount and gradually add more as their teeth come in. Assist your child with brushing their teeth until they get the hang of it. When they reach the age of six, speak with a children’s dentist to see if it’s time to make the transition to adult toothpaste.
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Visit Parkcrest Dental
Teaching your child to brush is a daunting task, but the pediatric team at Parkcrest Dental Group can help. Not only will they educate your child on their importance of brushing, but they may also give your child a child-sized toothbrush to take home with them. Call the Springfield, MO, office at 417-887-1120 to speak with a member of the dental team today.
