From a dental perspective, there are a few additional factors to consider when choosing kids toothpaste. Fluoride content is something that needs to be considered, as that maximizes the preventative effect of the toothpaste itself. With all of the options available, it can be a daunting task for parents to choose the right toothpaste brands for their kids. Generally, we recommend parents start by finding a toothpaste that is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Choosing the best toothpaste for your kids

Toothpaste is the gateway to proper oral health for your kids. Choosing the right kids toothpaste can be a challenge for many parents, but it’s an incredibly important decision for your child’s long-term wellbeing. After all, the human mouth can be a breeding ground for thousands of different kinds of bacteria – which, when not cleaned properly, can lead to plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it can accumulate and cause several oral health problems. These problems include – but are not limited to – tooth decay, cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. It is recommended that children brush their teeth twice a day.

There are several things you should look for when choosing the right toothpaste brands for your children.

Benefits of ADA approval in kids toothpaste

We mentioned that we strongly recommend choosing a toothpaste that has been approved by the ADA. Having the ADA Seal of Acceptance means that your child’s toothpaste has gone through a rigorous evaluation process to ensure its quality. In order to achieve this seal, the following criteria must be met:

All of this means that your child’s toothpaste has been objectively reviewed, tested, and approved for safety and efficacy. Your child’s pediatric dentist can also be a helpful resource in finding the right toothpaste.

Benefits of fluoride in your child’s toothpaste

One of the primary factors in achieving the ADA Seal of Acceptance is having fluoride as an active ingredient in the toothpaste. But why is fluoride so important? Fluoride can help protect teeth against cavities and plaque build-up.

When you are choosing a baby toothpaste or toddler toothpaste, you should very carefully monitor use. Swallowing too much fluoride is not healthy, so the amount needs to be controlled. The recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under three is a small smear, while older children should use a pea-sized amount. This is because younger children are generally unable to properly spit out their toothpaste.

A brief primer on fluoride in toothpaste

If you are taking the time to really read the labels on toothpaste, you will notice that some say Sodium Monofluorophosphate (0.84%  Na2PFO3) and some say Sodium Fluoride (0.24% NaF). Either way they both have 0.15% w/v fluoride ion. But what does it mean?

The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine, which is the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s crust. It is never encountered in its free state in nature; it exists only in combination with other elements as a fluoride compound. Fluoride is compounded in toothpastes with sodium or monofluorophosphate – but both act as a sort of vehicle for the fluoride. Once it gets in the saliva, it separates and can be incorporated by the tooth enamel to make it stronger and more resistant to the acids that can eventually break down the tooth to create cavities.

Avoid harsh abrasives

Choosing an age-appropriate toothpaste is beneficial, because some adult toothpastes may contain harsh ingredients that are too aggressive for young tooth enamel. These abrasives are used to polish teeth and remove plaque – but they are better suited to adult teeth. Using an adult toothpaste when a child or toddler toothpaste would be more appropriate may end up eroding and wearing away the enamel in your child’s teeth. Be sure you are choosing a toothpaste that is gentle enough.

Consider the flavor of the toothpaste

One of the main reasons children complain about brushing their teeth is because they don’t think the toothpaste tastes good. If the flavor is palatable to a young child, he or she will be more excited about the routine of brushing their teeth. Minty adult toothpastes can be too overwhelming for children, so what should you look for? Many children’s toothpastes come in fun fruit flavors – that may even taste like your child’s favorite fruit! There are fun toothpaste flavors like strawberry or bubblegum that will have your child looking forward to brushing their teeth. Finding a flavored toothpaste that your child is excited about will encourage them to develop good oral care habits from a young age.

Our picks for the best toothpaste for kids

Now that you know a little bit about what to look for in toothpaste for babies, toddlers, and kids, let’s review some of our favorite options. These options are all great for baby teeth – they won’t be too rough on the young enamel. They meet the criteria above, so you can rest assured that you’re choosing a great toothpaste for your child. Any of the below options will have your child excited to grab a toothbrush and get brushing!

Kid’s Crest

Kid’s Crest toothpaste is a tried and true option that is trusted by parents and kids everywhere. One of the main benefits of Kid’s Crest is that it comes in a wide variety of flavors that kids enjoy. The flavor options include things such as Bubblegum, Strawberry Rush, and the ever-popular Sparkle Fun. With the word “fun” right there in the title, it’s sure to get your kids excited about their oral care routine.

Colgate for Kids

Colgate is a well-known toothpaste brand that is doing excellent things in the children’s toothpaste space. The toothpaste tubes are often decorated with some of your kid’s favorite characters – from Minions to Elsa to everything in between. In addition to toothpaste tubes that are kid-friendly, Colgate also comes in many fun flavors like Mild Bubble Fruit, Strawberry Smash, and Watermelon Burst.

Hello Toothpaste

Though not a household name (yet!), Hello Toothpaste has a huge variety of flavors and options that will fit your family. They have options that are coconut oil-based, in addition to charcoal and hemp-based natural toothpastes. Many families are choosing more natural options when it comes to oral health, and Hello Toothpaste surely fits that bill. They offer flavors like watermelon, strawberry, and blue raspberry. And, in addition to the great kid-pleasing flavors, parents will be happy to know that Hello Toothpaste is vegan and cruelty free, as well as BPA-free and phthalate-free.

Kids tend to like sweet flavors, and this toothpaste is sweetened by erythritol, which naturally helps to prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth. Erythritol also aids in slowing the formation of plaque.

This toothpaste is also SLS-free. SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate, is a chemical compound that functions as a foaming agent in many personal care products. It’s largely responsible for the foam created in toothpaste and shampoo. Some brushers that are prone to allergies or sensitive to sulfates may be better off choosing SLS-free toothpastes like Hello Toothpaste.

Burt’s Bees for Kids

As far as dental health is concerned, Burt’s Bees for Kids is free of any harsh or damaging ingredients that may concern parents. It is made without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), triclosan & parabens, artificial flavors & sweeteners, preservatives, dyes (blue, red, & yellow), and plastic microbeads. When you take all of those things out of the equation, you are left with a safe and effective natural toothpaste option for kids.

But what about the flavor? It comes in fun flavors like Fruit Fusion – but that’s not all. Burt’s Bees for Kids contains sweetener from the stevia plant, which gives the toothpaste a pleasant taste that kids love.

Tom’s of Maine Children’s Toothpaste

Another excellent natural toothpaste option for kids comes from Tom’s of Maine. This toothpaste is free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives – so it definitely plays to a parent’s sensibilities as far as their child’s oral health is concerned. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a silly side. The tagline is: “Silly Enough for Kids – Good Enough for Moms and Dads!” and it certainly lives up to that.

In fun flavors like Silly Strawberry, kids will enjoy brushing their teeth with Tom’s of Maine. The delicious real fruit flavor appeals to children’s tastes without using artificial sparkles or flavors.

Tom’s of Maine is also proudly not tested on animals and free of any animal ingredients.

Aquafresh Kids

Aquafresh is a name that’s been around for quite some time. Their kids toothpaste offering comes in a kid-pleasing bubble mint flavor.

One of the most unique features of this toothpaste, though, actually has nothing to do with the toothpaste at all. The unique tube design is especially accessible for little hands. Aquafresh Kids features a stand-up pump so kids can feel more independent during their oral care routine. However, toothpaste dispensing should always be left up to the adult to prevent from dispensing too much.

Tanner’s Tasty Paste

Though not yet stamped with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, it should be noted that Tanner’s Tasty Paste does include fluoride. That makes it an excellent option for your child’s toothpaste needs.

The aptly named Tasty Paste truly is delicious – it tastes like vanilla ice cream. It’s a unique flavor that many kids love. And, though it’s delicious, Tanner’s Tasty Paste does not contain saccharin, sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial flavors, or artificial colors and dyes. The delicious flavor comes from the sweetening agent xylitol.

Start an oral care routine early

With all of these great kids toothpaste options, there’s no excuse for not implementing an oral care routine with your child. Here are a few tips to get your kids excited about using their new toothbrush and toothpaste.

Talk to your pediatric dentist today

There are many options out there to ensure your child’s oral health. From the moment your child gets his or her first tooth, you can begin forming those healthy oral care habits. You can create many of those habits at home from a very early age. The earlier kids understand how important taking care of their teeth is, the better off they will be in the long run. Talk to your pediatric dentist for tips and advice on choosing the best toothpaste for kids and best course of oral care for your child.

The post Dentist Recommended Best Toothpaste for Kids first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

Baby teething is unmistakable when it begins. Your baby becomes fussier. They’ll grab anything in sight to gum on. They may refuse bottles or breastfeeding. The pain can cause them to lose sleep. Saliva dripping from their mouth can also be observed.

Seeing your baby in pain can drive any loving parent crazy. You’d start to find safe remedies for teething, and teething toys are some of best things to start with. But before you get one, we suggest that you dig for relevant information regarding the best teething toys so you can find one that best gives your baby teething relief.

How to Choose a Teething Toy

All babies are different. A teething toy may work for one baby, but not for another. Aside from pacifier, there are ample teething toy options, which may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, choosing the best teething toy for your little one isn’t a complete guessing game. Be attentive to any clues your baby may be already giving you about what kind of surfaces they want for relief.

Does your baby like to gum blankets? Soft, plastic baby toys can be the stuff your baby needs. If your child looks for harder objects to gum on, there are a variety of hard plastic teether toys to choose from. An added bonus is that they are totally safe for baby teeth to gum on. By paying attention to these clues, you’re more likely to get a teething toy your baby will enjoy.

Advantages of Teething Toys for Your Baby

When your baby is teething, their new teeth are working on breaking through their gums. For many babies, teething is a painful, uncomfortable, and it can be frustrating to see your child hurting. During this stage, your baby may be eating less, losing sleep, getting diarrhea, and crying non-stop.  Their gums may be shiny, red and swollen. Your baby may experience a fever on low temperature, known as teething fever, possibly due to gum inflammation. You may be able to even feel the tooth by gently touching their gums with one of your fingers.

When teething, babies will look for any object (such as rattles and baby teethers) to put in their mouth. This can be dangerous if baby decides to put an object that is a choking hazard in their mouth. Finding suitable baby teething toys will give your child a safe way to chew on objects. Designed exclusively for the little ones, teething toys are easy for your baby to grab, hold, and place inside the mouth. Depending on the toy, they may appeal to multiple sensory experiences. This increases the chances of your baby using the teething toy over something else.

Safe, Non-Toxic Baby Teething Toys

Not only is it important to choose a toy that your baby will enjoy, but it’s also essential that the teething toys you buy are safe. Stay away from toys that are potential choking hazards and ones that could be toxic to their health.

 Materials to Avoid

Although this may eliminate a lot of teething toys, you still have a range of safe and non-toxic options. You can find teething remedies that use natural materials and fabrics, such as wood or rubber.

Find a toy that is easy to clean. Be sure to follow any instructions that may come with the toy. They may suggest you place them in the fridge or freezer for some time before each use. Always sanitize a new teething toy before giving it to your baby.

Here’s Our Top Teething Toys for Babies

Sophie the Giraffe (Sophie la Girafe)

Sophie the Giraffe is a one of a kind baby teether and one of the most popular. The thickness of it is just right for a baby to grasp, hold and put in their mouth and the two loops make it easy to grip. The toy itself is a bit on the hard side, and the surfaces offer multiple textures.

Looking for cute teethers for baby shower gifts? The Sophie the Giraffe book set is an affordable and adorable option for a present. The best teething toys for babies are the ones that can keep them engaged and distract them from the discomfort. There are a variety of books that feature Sophie, making this one of the most engaging teethers out. The book itself has lots of colors and happy faces that your teething child will enjoy.

Pros

Cons

Zotrans Silicone Teething Rings

Teething rings are a classic. They’re easy for your baby to hold onto and grasp. This ring is vibrant and colorful, designed to appeal to the visual sensory system. Your baby will love the look and feel of it. It’s a nice balance between hard and soft, making it a comforting option teether option. Perfect if your baby goes for both hard and soft objects and doesn’t seem to have a preference.

Made of 100% natural rubber, both the silicone and the dye used to color the material is food grade and super safe. The company made sure to use only FDA compliant materials.

Pros

Cons

Tinabless Fruit Teether

If your baby has been refusing bottles, this fruit teether may be a good option to help them get more nutrients. This unique teether is great to introduce your baby to solid foods. It’s also easy to use and clean in comparison to mesh feeders. You can add either fruit or veggies to the little mesh bag. If your baby needs something cold, think about freezing the fresh fruit first.

Tinabless Fruit teether is one of the must have baby products for the price. It will keep your baby busy, relieve the pain and give them a little something yummy to munch on. Super easy to sterilize too – just boil! Overall, it’s a sturdy, long-lasting product. And as a plus, it’s made with non-toxic and baby safe materials.

Pros

Cons

Manhattan Toy Wooden Rattle and Teether Toy

This all wood toy is different than your typical plastic or rubber teether. Coated with a non-toxic finish, this teether is a safe option for your baby.

The dumbbell shape makes it easy for your baby to grasp. The wooden rattle appeals to their auditory system and helps them to improve their motor skills.

Pros

Cons
None

AILAMS Elephant Baby Teether Ring

Made with food-grade silicone, this elephant teething ring is both durable and cute. The soft handle and lightweight material make it easy and comforting for your baby to grasp. They’ll enjoy holding onto this malleable and soft teether.

The elephant teether comes in multiple colors with two different surfaces. The top surface is smooth while the bottom has little bumps that your baby will love to rub their teething gums on. The two holes make it easy to grab and hold on to.

Pros

Cons

Baby Banana Infant Teething Toothbrush

Designed by a mom, who is also a hygienist, this fun toy is meant to give teething babies (ideally 3-4 months of age) their first brushing experience. Unlike other training toothbrushes, it’s shaped like a banana and embellished with silicone bristles and a textured bottom end to give your baby thrilling, massaging sensations in the mouth. Made from soft medical-grade silicone material, this toothbrush makes cleaning easy for moms. You can even freeze it if you want!

Pros

Cons

Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether

Featuring a baby finger-like design, Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether is crafted to fit the hands of your little one perfectly. It actually resembles the body of an octopus, only it has four legs. These legs make great teething tools as if your baby is biting their own fingers. This little infant training toothbrush is also made from soft, hygienic silicone, complete with tiny embossed dots at the ends to act as your child’s gum massagers.

Pros

Cons

Munch Mitt Teething Toy

If you’re on the lookout for a toy that stays on baby’s little hand or just here to get some baby shower gift ideas, look no further. Available in 5 different colors, Munch Mitt offers a convenient teething solution for babies starting from 0-12 months of age. The mitt’s ends come with textured silicone that’s safe for chewing. Not only for soothing the pain of teething, Munch Mitt also promises to keep baby’s fingers away from their skin, reduce spreading of drool that may irritate the skin, and lessen the risk of getting blisters when baby sucks their thumb.  The teether set comes with a handy carrying bag, perfect for outdoor trips with the family.

Pros

Cons

Final Thoughts

For some babies, teething can be a harrowing experience. As a parent, you’ll naturally want to comfort your child as best you can as soon as they start to teethe. We highly recommend Sophie the Giraffe because baby can chew and play with it safely, it promotes child development, and it perfectly soothes the gums.

However, when your baby is in a lot of pain or needs to sleep, using a safe amount of pain reliever and having their teething toy within reach will help them greatly. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are very effective options in alleviating teething pain in babies.

Teething is one of the hardest phases in parenting. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of teether options to help calm your little one and manage their teething pain. Finding baby care tips and ways on how to soothe your baby during their teething stage is key in helping them be happy and healthy.

We also have a wonderful post about Inspirational Quotes About Becoming A Mother For The First Time.

The post The Best Teething Toys for Babies with Teething Pain first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.