Toothpaste for babies and children, which is the best and how to use it? (6 months to 6 years)

We know that our precious little ones' teeth deserve special care, and we can't just hand them adult toothpaste.

They need a product designed especially for them, that is safe, effective and, of course, fun! After all, we are going to turn brushing our teeth into an adventure full of smiles.

And to ensure this, in this article we will share valuable tips for you to choose the ideal children's toothpaste, taking into account the age range from 6 months to 6 years.

Ah, congratulations on caring about your child's health! Taking care of oral hygiene from an early age is an important step towards ensuring a healthy and happy smile.

When to start using toothpaste? 

As soon as the first tooth appears, around 6 months to 1 year, it is time to start brushing your child's teeth with a suitable children's toothpaste. This is a fundamental step to ensuring oral health from an early age.

Can I use adult toothpaste?

The answer is no! Here’s what can happen if your child uses toothpaste intended for adults:

1. Excess fluoride: can lead to dental fluorosis, causing stains on developing permanent teeth.
2. Premature wear: Some adult toothpastes are recommended for treating tartar, gingivitis, whitening, and more. These toothpastes contain corrosive and strong substances that can harm your child's oral health, damaging the outer layer of the teeth.
3. Ingestion of harmful substances: Children are more likely to swallow toothpaste while brushing their teeth, which can cause stomach discomfort and even poisoning, depending on the amount, due to the fact that it contains substances considered corrosive.
4. Unpleasant taste: can have a strong, refreshing taste, which can cause children to refuse to brush their teeth regularly.

Fluoride: to use or not? How much? 

Fluoride can be a real superhero when it comes to the health of your teeth! This mineral strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent dreaded cavities. 

The Ministry of Health recommends that children start using toothpaste with fluoride from 6 months old, in low concentrations for age.

To ensure the right dose of this mineral, it is important to choose a toothpaste for children that contain between 1000 and 1500 ppm (parts per million) of fluorine. 

This information is usually present on the product packaging, so keep an eye out and make sure you choose a toothpaste with the ideal amount. Because fluoride in excess it can become harmful. 

How much paste should I use? 

The amount to be used varies according to the child's age. Let's check the recommendations to avoid making a mistake with the measurement:

• 6 months to 1 year: The ideal amount is 0.05g, which is equivalent to ½ (half) a grain of raw rice. It is a very small portion, after all, the teeth are just starting to appear at this stage.
• 2 years: We can increase the quantity a little. The recommendation is 0.1g, that is, 1 (one) grain of raw rice. The teeth are developing, so it is important to ensure good coverage when brushing.
• 5 to 6 years: The recommended amount is 0.3g, equivalent to a pea. At this age, the child is already more skilled at brushing his teeth, and his teeth are more numerous and larger.

Excessive use of toothpaste by children (even those recommended for this age group) can cause dental fluorosis, stains on the teeth, stomach discomfort and vomiting.

But remember: these measures are just general guidelines. Every child is unique. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult a pediatric dentist for personalized recommendations.

Consider the taste, color and texture 

Yes! These details can make all the difference when brushing your teeth. After all, let's face it, no one wants to brush their teeth with a toothpaste that tastes and has a strange texture, right?

When choosing children’s toothpaste, it’s important to consider their preferences. Every child has their own taste buds, so finding a toothpaste with a flavor they like can make brushing their teeth more appealing. 

Try flavors like strawberry, tutti-frutti or even those with favorite characters. If your child is already older, let him participate in this fun choice, ask him what color and flavor he wants, this will make the moment of cleaning his teeth special. 

And let’s not forget the texture! Choose children’s toothpastes with a smooth, creamy texture. This makes it easier to spread on little ones’ sensitive teeth and gums. Avoid toothpastes that are hard as rocks or those with sticky textures. Let’s ensure gentle and comfortable brushing!

But remember: the most important thing is always the quality and ingredients of the toothpaste. Colors and flavors are a fun addition to motivate children, but we cannot forget about effectiveness and safety.

What can the folder NOT have? 

When choosing a toothpaste for children aged 6 months to 1 year, it is important to avoid certain ingredients that may be harmful to little ones. Here are some ingredients that you should avoid:

1. Fluoride above 1500 ppm: Children at this age are more likely to swallow the paste, and high concentrations of this mineral can be harmful.
2. Whitening or adult toothpastes: They are not made for children and may contain corrosive substances, causing the child's teeth to wear prematurely.
3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): It is best to avoid using this substance on babies as it can cause irritation to the sensitive skin of the gums.
4. Artificial flavors and colors: may not be safe for children under 2 years of age. At this age, it is best to opt for toothpastes with natural flavors and without artificial colors.
5. Alcohol: Some products contain alcohol in their composition, which can be uncomfortable for babies' sensitive gums.

The brush is also important 

To ensure efficient brushing, it is important to use a toothbrush that is appropriate for the child's age. That's right, each stage of life requires a specific toothbrush. Look for toothbrushes with soft bristles, which are gentle enough not to hurt the delicate gums of little ones. Don't use hard bristles that look like steel wire, okay?

Also, choose a toothbrush with a small head. Why? Simple! The small head makes it easy to reach all areas of your mouth, including those hard-to-reach corners. That way, no food or bacteria will have a chance to slip through!

In addition to the previous tips, we have developed an article that reveals all the factors for choosing the ideal toothbrush for children. Click here or on the post below:

How can I motivate my child to brush their teeth?

Encouraging children to brush their teeth from an early age can be a challenging task. After all, most children see it as boring, especially when it means it’s time to go to bed! Why not turn this moment into a fun adventure?

Telling stories, turning the moment into something educational, and praising progress are habits that will help you in this task. And guess what? We have an article that teaches you step by step how to do these tips and much more! Check it out:

How to make your child want to brush their teeth daily. See 7 infallible tactics.

These 7 tips will make your child want to brush their teeth without throwing tantrums.…

Warnings

We share important and safe tips to help you choose the right one for your child. However, it is always recommended to seek guidance from a pediatric dentist.

Each child is unique, and the professional will be able to carry out an individualized assessment and recommend a specific brand of toothpaste according to your child's needs and characteristics.

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Sources and bibliography:

1. Caries and fluoride toothpaste in children under three years of age (PDF). 
2. Maternal and Child Oral Health Guide (PDF).