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What's the best toothpaste for my child?

Tooth brushing is crucial for maintaining excellent oral health. It is important to brush one's teeth at least twice daily. This prevents plaque build-up which can cause cavities, as well as bad breath, gum problems, and stained teeth. Parents should not only begin brushing their children's teeth as soon as they appear with a soft toothbrush, but they should also begin teaching good brushing and flossing habits immediately.

Since many children are extremely picky about the tastes they will tolerate, and parents are picky what they put into their child's mouth, choosing the right toothpaste can be tricky. While there are so many toothpastes out on the shelves, parents must be careful about the one they select. As a result of harsh abrasives (which can contribute to wearing away tooth enamel), many toothpastes can harm young smiles.

Shopping for Toothpaste

When picking out toothpaste for your child to use, make sure to select one that is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) as shown on the box and tube. ADA recommended toothpastes have undergone extensive testing to make sure that they are safe to use and will not cause any harm to teeth. To further select a tube, you might look for a toothpaste that is also recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that kills bacteria that causes cavities and tooth decay, as well as one that provides protection against eating and drinking.

It is important to remember, and tell your children, that they should spit out toothpaste after brushing their teeth to prevent ingestion of too much fluoride, which could cause fluorosis. If your child is incapable of or too young to spit out toothpaste, you should purchase one that is fluoride free, or use only a "pea size" amount. For additional questions on selecting an appropriate toothpaste, contact your child's dentist.

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