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Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with a focus on parent education and prevention, and building positive attitudes towards oral health
Dental product guides
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When should I start using toothpaste for my infant or child ?
Previously, many pediatricians recommended not to use toothpaste until the child was at least 2 years old, but the current recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is that toothpaste can be used right from the start.
If you are using fluoride, for children under 3 years old, use a smear/rice size.
For children over 3 years old, a pea size is perfect.
What should I look for in a toothpaste?
My main requirements for children's toothpaste are:
1. Protects against cavities - the main proven ingredients that help fight cavities are fluoride (which strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to acid attack by bacteria).
Yes, there has been some controversy around fluoride, but generally speaking low doses of fluoride (if used in the appropriate amounts (pea/rice size) as mentioned above) have not been proven to cause harm.
2. Natural ingredients - with the rise of allergies, ADHD and autoimmune diseases in children, unnecessary ingredients such as triclosan, artificial colors, and SLS can be avoided with better options out there.
3. Good taste- taste is a big one for kids, and there's a wide array of flavors available that go beyond bubble gum that kids will love!