What Toothpaste Should My Child Be Using?

Our Dental Blog | Child Dentistry | 08.12.2021

According to the Canadian Dental Association, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases during childhood in Canada. For reference, about 23.6% of children have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Additionally, an estimated 2.26 million school days are missed each year due to dental-related illness and tooth decay accounts for one-third of all day surgeries performed on children between the ages of 1 and 5.

The best way to help your child avoid becoming a part of these statistics is to make sure they have a great oral hygiene routine that saves their teeth from decay. Part of that routine involves choosing the right toothpaste for the job.

Enjoyable Flavors

Perhaps one of the easier decisions to make when it comes to your child’s toothpaste is flavour and fun colours. Brushing twice a day, every day is not going to be as easy for your child to accomplish if they do not like the flavour of their toothpaste. Let them decide which flavours they like and choose their own toothpaste when possible. Sometimes, mint and similar flavors will be too “spicy” or intense for your child’s mouth.

Consider berry or bubblegum flavoured alternatives that kids can enjoy. Sometimes these flavors come in entertaining colors and packages that can also help get your child excited about their dental health.

Avoid Abrasives

Some toothpastes include mild abrasives that can help remove surface stains and debris from teeth. Unfortunately, these abrasives can also damage your child’s sensitive tooth enamel. Eventually, with enough time, eroded enamel can leave your child’s teeth vulnerable to dental carries and decay.

To avoid this problem, stay away from whitening toothpastes. You should also consult with our pediatric dental office about which abrasives to avoid and which toothpastes we recommend as safe.

The CDA Has You Covered

The Canadian Dental Association is one of the leading professional dental associations in the country. Their strict testing procedures on many brands and types of toothpastes ensure that the product is high quality, safe for use and is effective. To help you choose the best brands for you or your child you can visit the CDA’s website where you can find a complete list of mouthwashes and toothpastes that are trusted. You can also look for the CDA Validated seal on any oral healthcare product.

How Treehouse Dental Care Can Help

If you help your child keep up with their daily routine, you are helping protect them from potential tooth decay in the future. However, if your child is complaining of sensitive or painful teeth, it may be time to visit our office for an evaluation. Our pediatric dental team will examine your child’s mouth for signs of tooth decay or other oral health issues and create a treatment plan that can restore their smile to its full health.

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