Picking a toothbrush and toothpaste for a child is an important decision so tips from a family dentistry office can help when choosing. Brushing teeth twice a day is a child's first defense against tooth decay and gum disease. Picking the wrong toothpaste and toothbrush can leave their teeth exposed to plaque accumulation and worn out teeth enamel.
It is also important to note that children cannot always use the same products adults use to clean their teeth. Kids have different dental needs compared to adults, and their teeth and gums are much more delicate.
Here are a few tips from a family dentistry office parents should consider when picking a toothbrush and toothpaste for a child.
The American Dental Association calls fluoride "nature's cavity fighter." The title is well-deserved, considering how this mineral helps strengthen and protect teeth. Tap water in most developed countries is a good source of fluoride, and it is added to many dental hygiene products.
However, taking in too much fluoride often leads to a condition called fluorosis. This often leads to discolored teeth and molten enamel.
This is the primary reason most dentists recommend staying away from fluoride-infused products until the child is two. Children under this age have a tendency to swallow toothpaste, and doing that often leads to the injection of too much fluoride.
Once the child understands the concept of spitting out toothpaste after brushing, they are ready for a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Parents are advised to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste just in case the child accidentally swallows it while brushing.
When picking a toothbrush and toothpaste for a child, the best toothbrush is not always a brush. Dentists often recommend simply using a damp cloth to clean the gums and emerging teeth of newborns. Once the first tooth has fully erupted, it is safe to start using a toothbrush designed specifically for children. These toothbrushes have tiny heads, making it easier for them to fit inside a child's mouth.
Parents should start teaching children how to brush on their own around the time they reach two years old. They likely will not do a good job of brushing their teeth at this point, but they certainly need the practice. Parents should always give them a turn before brushing for them.
Parents can make dental hygiene fun for children by allowing them to select their own toothbrush and toothpaste. An electric toothbrush can also help make brushing more fun for young children.
Once a child reaches the age of five, they should be able to brush properly on their own. It still a good idea to supervise brushing sessions until good habits are established. Once a child reaches the age of eight, they should be able to independently brush their teeth.
Want to learn more about picking the right dental hygiene products for children? Schedule a consultation with one of our family dentists today.
Request a family dentistry appointment here: https://www.tucsonazdentistry.com or call Advanced Family Dentistry at (520) 353-3002 for an appointment in our Tucson dental office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Family Dentistry in Tucson, AZ.
When it comes to keeping your family healthy, you want the best of the best. Often, parents believe that they must inconveniently schedule their children’s dental appointments at a separate pediatric dental office. However, this is a common misconception. A skilled and patient family dentist treats patients of all ages rather than focusing on one…
Wondering whether a Family Dentist can offer cosmetic dental services to their patients? Yes, they can. When it comes to what types of cosmetic services they offer, it simply depends on each individual dental practice.Understanding why choosing a family dentist in Tucson is beneficial allows those who are looking for a new dentist to learn…
Needing a new family dentist because you recently moved to a new area? Or maybe you just switched your dental insurance plan and now need to find a new dentist for your family? Whatever your reason for needing a new dentist, it is important for you to find a dental office in which your entire…
If you are unsure of when to take your child for their first visit to the dentist, then you are not alone since a lot of new parents go through the same. You are not a bad parent if you have no clue about this either — take it as an opportunity to learn and…
Using custom-fit plastic trays, Invisalign® treatments are a restorative and corrective treatment for several dental problems. As an orthodontic solution, clear aligners are often compared to a treatment using metal braces. Corrective measures typically address crooked or misaligned teeth, and provided the patient wears the trays for the prescribed length of time, the results are…
Patients considering dental crowns may have concerns regarding the recovery period following the procedure. Fortunately, the typical recovery period is relatively quick and involves minor inconvenience. Most risks and complications resulting from the procedure are comparable to those of most dental procedures and therefore require similar precautions.The placement of dental crowns involves two stages, each…