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.

Fun dental facts for kids

Is your child curious about their teeth but not sure about the point of dental care? As a parent, you know how much you care about your child–educating them on caring for themselves can go a long way in their personal development. Review these teeth facts with them, and maybe even learn something yourself.

Bacteria and plaque

Your child may say, “Ew!” to bacteria and plaque, and that is a great start. They should be conscientious of how bacteria and plaque can build up on their teeth and gums if they don’t brush or floss often enough.

Explain to your child the basics of plaque:

• Plaque builds up on your teeth after you eat food.
• Plaque is sticky, and 300 kinds of bacteria can produce and grow within plaque.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to eliminate plaque.

Sugar basics

While sugar makes food taste great, it can cause serious tooth decay. Bacteria, or sometimes called “sugar bugs,” love sugar just as much as we do! These bugs feed on sugar and produce plaque and acid, which jeopardizes the integrity of tooth enamel.

• There are typically 10-12 teaspoons of sugar in just one can of soda.
• On average, 78% of Americans develop a cavity by age 17.
• Between 60-90% of children will experience tooth decay.
• While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, bacteria can damage it.

Visiting the dentist can also prevent gum disease

Regular visits to the dentist can help you learn how to take care of your teeth and fight the sugar bugs that can lead to tooth decay. Gum disease is also no laughing matter:

• Other bacteria can cause inflammation in your gums as well as the bone around your teeth, this is called periodontal disease.
• Periodontal disease can get so bad that it makes your teeth fall out!
• Your dentist is a tooth doctor who can help you prevent gum disease.
• Your dentist will give you tips for improving and maintaining your oral health.

Tips for taking care of your teeth

Your dentist will help you decide the best ways to take care of your teeth. Your dentist can do many things at his or her office, such as cleaning plaque and taking X-rays to make sure your mouth is healthy. Other things you can do at home include:

• Using your toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste for at least 30 seconds on each side of your mouth. That’s two minutes for your whole mouth!
• Improving your nutrition, which is the science of what we eat to fuel our bodies.
• Making sure there isn’t too much sugar in your nutrition, which can speed up tooth decay.

Questions about teeth

If your child is still curious about dentistry and has more questions, here are some answers. Preparing your child for their visit to the dentist can make it far less scary and much more fun.

Can a dentist damage your teeth?

• Good dentistry won’t damage your teeth. The American Dental Association has rules and standards for dentistry that help protect your teeth. They even recommend when you should first visit the dentist. Even though your mouth might feel a little funny while you’re at the dentist’s, remember they’re helping you fight the sugar bugs.

Where does bad breath come from?

• Old bits of food and bacteria on your tongue, gums, or in between your teeth are responsible for the way your breath smells. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day helps remove bad breath. Did you know that if you don’t floss you miss 40% (that’s almost half) of your tooth surfaces!

Do we need teeth to talk?

• We need teeth to help us make certain sounds. For example, we couldn’t make the “th”, “t”, “s”, “v”, “f,” “x” or “z” sounds without our teeth helping us! Give it a try. Can you say “the” or “that” without putting your tongue between or right behind your teeth? Can you say “voom” or “zoom” without letting your lips touch your teeth? How about “fox”? We don’t just need teeth to eat; we need teeth to talk, too.

How often do dentists see bad teeth?

• If dentists are working in an area where schools don’t have the money to afford good health education programs, or where parents are worn out from their jobs at the end of each day and fall asleep before brushing their teeth, it may be more likely for dentists to see bad teeth.

Interesting facts about dentists and dentistry

The history of modern dentistry is fascinating and can help your child feel less afraid because they’ll know some important and interesting facts. Encourage your child to ask their dentist about some of these tidbits, as it can strike up a conversation and make your child feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

The first toothbrush was made out of sticks?

That’s right! The first toothbrush was made out of twigs with frayed ends to scrape across the teeth and get rid of food particles. Modern toothbrushes have soft bristles, so we are very lucky compared with our ancestors!

Where does the tooth fairy myth come from?

The tooth fairy myth stems from ancient and medieval northern European traditions. Vikings are said to have paid children for teeth, wearing teeth into battle as charms for good luck and a good battle.

On the other hand, in medieval England, most children’s teeth were burned as a way to stop them from enduring hardship later in life. In other traditions, children’s teeth were burned or buried to prevent witches from using discarded teeth to control the children.

Today, it’s said that if you leave your lost tooth underneath your pillow, a tooth fairy will come and take it, leaving you money the next morning. Did you know that in 1950 the average amount left by the tooth fairy was 25 cents, but the going rate today is $2.00?

The first President had fake teeth?

While most modern presidents have their own teeth, past presidents had to make due with teeth made from unusual materials. George Washington wore fake teeth made from elephant ivory, hippopotamus tusk, gold, and even other human teeth!

Some people even say that President Washington had teeth made of wood, but this seems to be a misunderstanding. Luckily, modern dentistry can fix missing teeth and discolored teeth without the need for using other people’s teeth.

Bamboo is a great biodegradable material!

Many children are very aware of the impact that plastics can have on the environment and animals in the sea. Modern bamboo toothbrushes are naturally antibacterial, and they will decompose after you’re done using them! This means they won’t leave harmful, non-degradable plastic behind and they won’t pollute our oceans.

Conclusion

Share these facts about teeth for kids with your children to help alleviate any fears and get them curious about visiting the dentist’s office. Let them know that the dentist can help keep them smiling–not only will the dentist help keep their teeth healthy and strong, but they might learn a lot of interesting and fun facts along the way.

The post Fun Dental Facts for Kids: Tooth Fairies, Bad Breath, and More first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

As a new mom or dad, there is nothing more wonderful than the first time your baby smiles. Those sweet, chubby cheeks and sparkling eyes framed by a gummy smile can make your day. It’s love. Then, a tooth appears.   Wonderful.

However, as a young mom or dad, not only do you want your baby to have a perfect smile with all their teeth, you want a lifelong smile of perfection. First, as a baby with those delicate teeth,  then a young person moving into permanent teeth and following them all the way into their senior years with a glowing natural smile. What you do now to nurture and then teach your baby will have lifelong effects?

Why it Matters

Oral hygiene is one of the most vital health care steps you can take to assure a wonderful life for your darling child.  So, let’s begin with those important first steps.

You want to nurture great habits along with that cuddliness of love. But the challenge is knowing when to start the daily long-term habit of brushing teeth. And how does one convince a sometimes cranky small person, that it’s a habit that will lead to, not only to a great smile for life but lifelong health and well-being?

Great teeth are the first step to great digestion for life, so let’s start that darling out right.

Being a smart, savvy mom or dad, you know that your baby’s health comes first. So, let’s look at all the basics of brushing baby teeth so you can make informed choices, and know what to do when those inevitable baby challenges come up.

When to Start Cleaning Baby’s Mouth?

The precursor to tooth brushing can begin very early with mouth brushing.   You can start, by taking a washcloth and wrapping it around your finger and lightly rubbing your baby’s gums.   This will remove the bacteria in your baby’s mouth, and get her or him used to the process. As if there’s not enough.

When to Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth

The actual brushing of teeth can begin with a small, soft toothbrush, known as a training toothbrush. When the first tooth comes in. One of the places you can find a small brush is a pediatric dentist, setting the tone for a long-term relationship with a dentist as well and an opportunity to make a first visit appointment. When tooth eruption occurs, brushing can sometimes relieve that discomfort. You may also continue to use a wash cloth or a finger brush for a while before moving to a toothbrush. Gently wipe clean the first teeth and the tip of the tongue, after meals and at bedtime.

When to Replace Baby’s Toothbrush?

Replace any toothbrush that becomes rough or is more than 4 months old. Remember baby teeth have far less enamel than grownup teeth and are delicate and fragile. Gentle is your mantra.

They may be teeth-in-training for the eventual permanent sparkly whites, but they need the same care and devotion. A lost baby tooth or one with decay can hinder good nutrition and proper speech development. This occurs because the baby tooth gets their own place for permanent teeth. Problems can make the permanent teeth come in crooked or have insufficient tooth enamel. As a savvy mom, you can protect that gleaming future smile and help them create the environment for good digestion.

Can I Use Toothpaste To Brush My Toddler’s Teeth?

Yes, it’s great to get in the habit of using toothpaste.

Is Fluoride Safe For Babies?

Although low levels of fluoride prevent tooth decay, it’s not advisable for babies. There are many baby and toddler-friendly tubes of toothpaste that are available. Substituting grown-up toothpaste isn’t an option. There is too much fluoride, especially since spitting and rinsing can be a challenge. The taste may have a small person cringe and cry. Tooth brushing should be a great experience, not painful or uncomfortable.

Teaching Baby to Brush

Like any skill, teaching baby to brush takes time, patience and planning.

Thanks to YouTube, there are many “how to” videos. There are a dozen or more videos of Teaching Baby to Brush.   Enough, in fact, to get your Ph.D. in baby dental hygiene and persuasion.

Make Tooth Brushing A  Game

Place your baby next to you on the counter when he or she can sit comfortably, sometimes a towel to brace the child can help. Let your darling watch how much fun it is to brush teeth. Give a toothy grin. Let baby hold his or her own baby toothbrush while you brush. Some children become entranced with the spitting. It’s all good. Let your darling imitate, spitting, rinsing and brushing. It’s the imitation that is important.

Don’t expect someone under three to clean their teeth well. Even though they will do try it, you must finish the process.

Your hands can guide their toothbrush. Begin brushing the front teeth, then the molars.

Announce the tooth brushing ritual with cheery words like “We are going to make magic in our mouths and brush away the germs”. Sing a song. “Brush, brush, brush your teeth, up and down the gums…” (to the tune of “Row, row, row your boat”.  Count the teeth.   Tell baby that he or she can someday have as many teeth as mom or dad, and let them count your teeth as well.

When Do They Learn To Spit And Rinse?

Some kids get the spit and rinse very early.   Some take to spitting as if it’s the most wonderful thing they’ve discovered. Most, however, master the spit and rinse between age 3 and 4. Like most baby and toddler things, it’s a bumpy learning curve of oral hygiene. Gentle patience is your mantra.  They learn by modeling, so it’s a good thing to share tooth brushing time, so they can watch and learn.

Do I Use Toothpaste Or Nothing At All?

In the first few stages of infancy, no toothpaste is needed. However, when your darling grows past infancy stage.  It’s time to use toothpaste.

What to Do When Baby Hates Brushing Teeth

Oh, the challenge of wills that comes with a growing child.   Remember, as teeth erupt, change and grow, there may be growing pains and discomforts you may not be aware of immediately. There could be many reasons a child rejects brushing.   Don’t push when there is an immediate rejection of brushing. One missed brushing with a cranky child won’t set a bad precedent, but pushing your child to brush might.

Here are several suggestions that might help to persuade baby that it’s something special and necessary.

When Can I Take Baby To A Dentist?

It is advisable to find a dentist that has pediatric care in mind. A child should see a dentist before their first birthday, and generally within 6 months after the first tooth comes in.

What Happens At The First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit is about making dental visits an enjoyable experience. The visit is short and involves very little treatment.  Your little one has an opportunity to meet the dentist in a friendly manner.

During the exam, the dentist at St. John’s Pediatric Dentistry will check all of your baby’s existing teeth. The dentist will look for decay. Then,  examine your child’s bite.The exam will also include looking for any potential problems. The dentist will look at the gums, as well as other oral tissues. The dentist will also look at how the jaw is growing. The dentist will spend sometimes discussing basic oral health for your child and answer any questions you might have. If there are dental problems that are in your family history, this is a time to address them.  Some dental problems can be avoided if dealt with during those tender beginning years.

Be assured that St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry is there for you and your precious baby to answer all the questions that you might have.

The post Early Teeth Care: A Parent’s Complete Guide to Brushing Baby Teeth first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard candy, which tend to fracture the sealant. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order for your child’s dentist to be certain the sealants remain in place.

The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times sugar-rich foods are eaten. If these measures are followed and sealants are used on the child’s teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated!

The post How to Care for Sealants first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

Care of the Mouth After Local Anesthetic

Care of the Mouth After Trauma

Care of the Mouth After Extractions

The post How do I care for my child after a dental operation or visit? first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.