When it comes to your child, there are many aspects you must take into account. One important aspect is their oral health. For healthy teeth, having the right tools is essential. The toothpaste can have an impact on how a child’s teeth develop. You need one that will remove plaque effectively. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. After eating or drinking sugary food, the bacteria release acids that can attack their tooth enamel. This acid attack can lead to cavities (holes in the teeth), tooth decay, and gum disease. There are so many toothpaste varieties. It can be hard to choose which one is the best. So let us talk about how to select the right one to give your child a bright smile on their beautiful face.
Ingredients
Toothpaste for children is available in paste or gel form. They contain both active and non-active ingredients and come in many different varieties. The color of toothpaste varies, such as white, blue, red, or colored stripes. You should know what ingredients are in the toothpaste before choosing which one to buy. Toothpaste consist of the following common ingredients:
*Abrasives: It aids in removing stains and debris from the teeth. At the same time, it does not damage the tooth enamel. In children, the surface of the tooth enamel is 50% smaller than those of adults. Therefore, toothpaste for kids contains fewer abrasives than for adults. Silica, calcium carbonate, and aluminum oxide are abrasives.
*Thickening agents: Guar gum and xanthan gum are thickening agents that bind the ingredients together.
*Humectants: Glycerin and glycol are humectants. These compounds prevent the toothpaste from drying out.
*Antibacterial agents: Triclosan and zinc chloride has antibacterial properties.
*Detergents: Toothpaste for children contains detergents, also known as surfactants. It is a cleaning compound. It also allows the foam to form during brushing. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a detergent that is present in toothpaste.
*Fluoride: This is a mineral added to strengthen the tooth enamel.
*Flavors: Natural and artificial flavorings enhance the taste and smell. When choosing a toothpaste for your child, experiment with the flavors and find ones they enjoy. Try popular flavors, such as bubblegum and vanilla, as these can get them excited to brush their teeth. Fruit-flavored toothpaste is also available, including strawberry, orange, mango, and watermelon. Mint flavored toothpaste may sting their mouths, and you may want to avoid it.
*Sweetening agents: Sorbitol and saccharin are sweetening agents to make the toothpaste taste more pleasant. The ADA disapproves of toothpaste containing sugar that contributes to food decay.
The problem with fluoride
Fluoride is added to our drinking tap water and in most toothpaste. However, there is a growing concern about the amount of fluoride that ends up in our bodies. Is it necessary? is it a health hazard? Well, studies show that fluoride exposure can lead to many health problems. These include neurological impairment, brittle bones, and cancer. In children below the age of 8, over-exposure to fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis. This condition causes a change of color of the tooth enamel. The first sign of fluorosis is white spots or white streaks appearing on the teeth. Severe cases can cause black spotting or pitted teeth to form.
Herbal toothpaste
If you want to avoid fluoride toothpaste for your child, try a more natural way of cleaning your child’s teeth. Herbal toothpaste is becoming more of a trend and is a safer option, especially if they have allergies to the agents found in regular toothpaste. You may be wondering if herbal toothpaste works as well as regular ones. Herbal toothpaste is just as effective in fighting plaque and tooth decay.
Herbal toothpaste contains essential oils, herbal ingredients, and natural and plant extracts. These include eucalyptus, aloe vera, and hinokitol. Herbal toothpaste does not contain artificial chemicals like commercial toothpaste, so there is no risk of undesirable side effects. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate in regular toothpaste can cause irritation, mouth ulcers, and inflammation. However, herbal toothpaste does not contain this chemical. Some herbal toothpaste contains xylitol, a natural sugar substitute. In addition to enhancing the taste of toothpaste, it prevents bacterial growth. It also stimulates saliva flow, which further protects your teeth.
Recommendations
The age of your child determines when and which toothpaste to use. Before the first tooth appears, take care of their oral health. Gently rub a wet cloth along the upper and lower gum lines. It will remove food debris and bacteria. Do this every time they finish eating or drinking. Brush their teeth as soon as their first tooth erupts. The first teeth are a critical time in their development. Brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes. Because children have smaller teeth, they only need a little toothpaste. Until they reach three years of age, they only need a smear (a size of a grain of rice). From three years of age, children should use a pea-sized amount). When the child reaches the age of 8, they can switch to regular toothpaste made for adults. The ADA recommends an adult supervise children during brushing. It ensures that the child spits out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it. If your child ingests more than a pea-sized amount, contact the Poison Control Centre.
See a Pediatric Dentist
The dentist for children can help you choose which toothpaste is best for them. They will advise you which ones to avoid too. For example, some toothpaste may contain strong abrasives that damage your tooth enamel. Take your child to the dentist every six months.
At the end of the day, which toothpaste you select is your choice. If you are skeptical of the artificial chemicals in regular children’s toothpaste, go for the more natural ones.
Choosing the best toothpaste for children
