Your kid's first tooth is precious and elegant. Parents should maintain their children's dental health. But do you know when your children should start using toothpaste? This is a common concern among parents. Not all toothpaste is safe for kids. A wide variety of toothpaste is not suitable for infants. Young children should never use ordinary toothpaste.
Why Kids Need Special Toothpaste
There are toothpaste options specifically designed for children, but it's essential to be cautious about their ingredients. For instance, children under two years should use fluoride-free toothpaste. Young children tend to swallow toothpaste rather than spit it out. Swallowing fluoride can be harmful to the developing human brain. Instead, fluoride can be obtained through fluoridated water or other supplements, providing the necessary fluoride for your child's dental health.
Besides, avoid giving your child sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) toothpaste. This toothpaste can contribute to irritating canker sores. Instead, opt for toothpaste that contains essential oils, commonly found in all-natural toothpaste. Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties. However, children must maintain a healthy balance of oral flora rather than completely eradicate it, as this helps protect against cavities.
When Should I Start Brushing My Kid's Teeth?
Every time your child eats or drinks, oral bacteria has a feast. They thrive on the sugars in these meals, breaking them down and releasing acids as waste products. Unfortunately, these acids can lead to detrimental effects. These include tooth decay, bad breath, cavities, and enamel erosion. If plaque is not removed within 48 hours, it deteriorates and eventually hardens.
Tartar, once formed, cannot be effectively removed with just a toothbrush and floss. It requires professional teeth cleaning by a dental professional. However, your child doesn't necessarily need toothpaste when preventing plaque buildup. Plaque can be effectively removed with a toothbrush, some water, and the correct brushing technique.
Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Frank Sioda 18676 Willamette Dr. Suite 202 West Linn, OR 97068-1718
Dental Blog | Dentist West Linn | ZenTech Dentistry Dr. Frank Sioda of ZenTech Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about a variety of dental topics. Learn more here. ZenTech Dentistry - Frank K. Sioda, DMD, PC, 18676 Willamette Dr., Suite 202, West Linn, OR 97068-1718 ~ (503) 765-9699 ~ zentechdentistry.com ~ 1/8/2025 ~ Associated Words: dentist West Linn ~
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Your kid's first tooth is precious and elegant. Parents should maintain their children's dental health. But do you know when your children should start using toothpaste? This is a common concern among parents. Not all toothpaste is safe for kids. A wide variety of toothpaste is not suitable for infants. Young children should never use ordinary toothpaste.