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Toothpaste Selection
Pearl City, HI
Toothpaste Recommendations provided by Our Expert Pediatric Dentists
in Pearl City, HI at Oahu Pediatric Dentistry
 Here at Oahu Pediatric Dentistry, we are happy to help you choose the toothpaste that is just right for your children.
It's always good practice to check the type of toothpaste you want to buy. Even though there are many brands on the market today, some of them are just not good enough.
Manufacturers of these kinds of toothpaste can go to any length to market their product. They will say anything to gain your trust so that you choose their product over others.
We recommend that you take care in selecting your children's toothpaste to get the one that's right for them.
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Fluoride
Most toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride helps promote good oral and dental hygiene. All these brands would tell you their product is enriched in fluoride. The labels also depict the action of these components on your kid's teeth.
Even though fluoride toothpaste is ideal for the teeth, the American Dental Association warns against using them for children younger than six. We can advise on fluoride free kinds of toothpaste that are suitable for young children.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening products are not suitable for children. For starters, most children are unlikely to need them anyway. Although otherwise safe and effective, teeth whitening toothpaste can be quite harsh on sensitive teeth.
These products can be quite painful for them to use. They might also cause other problems that might otherwise not arise. If you do feel that your child needs help with teeth whitening, you should speak with the experts. Our team is happy to help out however we can.
Flavors and Colors
Some toothpaste can have quite potent, sharp flavors. While these are ideal for adults that want the minty freshness to overcome unpleasant odors and tastes, they are often not so popular among young children.
Instead, you should try to opt for other flavors that have been created with children in mind. These flavors are less harsh and also more fun, encouraging your children to brush with them.
Children also like to choose what to put in their mouths according to what color it is. There are numerous kinds of toothpaste made for children in fun, vibrant colors.
Again, this can encourage them to brush where they might otherwise be reluctant to do so. They are also available in themes, such as cartoon characters and superheroes, making brushing even more fun for your children.
Approved Products
Do not buy a toothpaste that does not meet ADA approval. The American Dental Association has specific requirements that all toothpaste should meet. The association gives their seal of acceptance to the ones that have been through rigorous screening.
However, some brands do not participate in this screening because the program is not compulsory. Look for the seal whenever you are choosing a toothpaste. Our team is on hand to suggest which toothpastes you should use, and which you should avoid.
Facts About Toothpaste
One crucial fact to know about toothpaste that will influence your selection is that different kinds of toothpaste have varying amounts of fluoride. You should choose toothpaste with fluoride as it protects your teeth from decay.
Therefore, when looking for toothpaste, choose one with a thousand parts per million parts of fluoride.
Another interesting fact is the American Dental Association (ADA) evaluates every type and brand of toothpaste.
They will then determine the best ones to use and give them a stamp of approval. Therefore, when choosing toothpaste, you should always ensure that it features the ADA stamp of approval.
When Can Kids Use Adult Toothpaste?
When selecting toothpaste for your children, it is even more crucial to make the right choice. Age is the most crucial aspect of the selection. You should start brushing your child’s teeth by the time they are two years old.
Between the ages of two and six, you should use baby toothpaste. However, at age six, they will start shedding their teeth, and as soon as the new teeth appear, kids can start using adult toothpaste.
Once children start developing adult teeth, they will require the added protection of adult toothpaste, as baby toothpaste is quite mild.
Over-the-Counter or Prescription Toothpaste?
When purchasing toothpaste, you have two options. You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) toothpaste like the ones you find at the store, or you can get a prescription for toothpaste from your dentist. If you have sensitive teeth, regular toothpaste may not be suitable for you.
A dentist will typically prescribe toothpaste if they think you need the extra protection as prescription toothpaste is stronger.
However, prescription toothpaste can be expensive compared to OTC toothpaste which is why you need a dentist’s prescription.
For More Information-Give Us a Call!
If you would like more information regarding toothpastes for children, contact us at Oahu Pediatric Dentistry at (808) 456-4555. We look forward to hearing from you.
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