It was perhaps not too long ago that you were eagerly waiting to see that tiny white speckle sprouting out of your baby’s gums. Now that the baby’s first tooth has emerged, when do you need to start caring for your their dental health?
Is using a baby toothpaste better than a regular toothpaste for your child?
It is best that dental care for babies start from the moment the baby's first tooth emerges. It usually takes about six months for a few other teeth to appear.
Even before teeth develop, it is a good idea to start cleaning your child's gums, and as soon as your baby's teeth begin to erupt, you can start brushing them.
You could brush your baby’s teeth using a baby toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. You need not be concerned if you cannot brush much at first.
The most important thing is to get your child used to brushing his or her teeth on a daily basis. Your tooth brushing routine will certainly help your child learn how to brush his or her teeth as a daily habit.
Why using baby toothpaste rather than a regular toothpaste is better
When starting to brush baby teeth during the early years, it is extremely important to ensure that the toothpaste you use is made of ingredients that are healthy for the baby at all times.
The toothpaste used by most children and adults differs little from that used by babies. But traditional toothpaste contains components that aren't designed for eating, and babies and toddlers don't always know how to spit. Baby toothpaste, on the other hand, contain ingredients that are safe when swallowed.
Things to consider when choosing baby toothpaste
When deciding on the best toothpaste for your child, it is more important to take a close look at what ingredients the toothpaste does not contain.
There are instances where essential oils are frequently used in toothpaste and promoted as all-natural because of their natural antibacterial characteristics.
But since the babies' oral microbiomes are still evolving, such essential oil components can hinder this process as a result. The harsh compounds commonly found in whitening toothpaste for adults should also be avoided at all costs.
Many infant toothpastes are fluoride-free. However, if you wish to find out more about whether or not to use a toothpaste with fluoride, it is best to consult your physician or dentist to guide you through your decision.
In addition to those mentioned above, you can take the following into consideration in order to decide which toothpaste to choose:
The Seal of Acceptance by ADA (American Dental Association)
The ADA seal assures you that the toothpaste you are choosing has been authorised by one of USA’s leading dental organisations and is safe for your baby's dental care.
Fluoride Content
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using not more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for youngsters aged 3 to 6 years.
Flavour
When compared to adult toothpaste, you will not discover mint flavouring in infant toothpaste. This is because babies prefer milder flavour profiles and may find stronger flavours such as mint too overwhelming. Baby toothpaste is usually flavoured to taste like fruits.
Safe to swallow
Babies haven't yet figured out how to spit on purpose. Therefore, it is important that the toothpaste used to brush your child’s teeth is safe to swallow. This is a standard feature in most infant toothpastes.
Best baby toothpaste for your child
Taking the above into consideration, here are the best children's toothpaste products we recommend:
Why It's Great
This two-in-one kit comes with a toothbrush designed like an elephant and has a comfort-grip handle that is simple for tiny hands to hold, making the baby’s first tooth-brushing experience a great one.
This toothpaste is also fluoride-free and flavourful. However, it is intended for children aged one to three years old.
One mum has this to say: “My son gets so excited about brushing his teeth. I think he is attracted by the colour and shape of the toothbrush!!! Fits perfectly in his little hands and has a cool shape!!! It’s amazing."
Features We Love:
- Fluoride-free and contains no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives, making it safe to swallow.
- While laying down, elephant ears avoid surface contact, and the wide base allows you to stand it up.
- The flexible body is nice on sensitive gums and is super-soft and safe for baby's first teeth.
Why it's great
OKOASE's use of natural organic components helps keep children's teeth clean and healthy while reducing tooth abrasion.
Your child will not be able to resist the urge to brush teeth because of the completely natural apple flavour and fragrance in the toothpaste. It contains 500ppm fluoride which will guard your child’s teeth and gums against plaque and cavities.
Features We Love:
- This organic toothpaste will reduce tooth abrasion and promote healthy teeth according to its Certified Relative Dentin (RDA) Title.
- OKOASE toothpaste is specifically produced for the needs of children's gums, permanent teeth, and sensitive infant teeth.
- It is low in fluoride, gluten-free and comes with 100% natural apple flavour with a fruity aroma.
Why It's Great
Orajel toothpaste has been produced particularly with little ones in mind. It is for babies as young as 4 months old up to 24 months or 2 years old.
It does not contain alcohol, SLS, parabens, aspartame, colours, or and sugar. Fruity Fun has a delicious flavour. There are no artificial colours or dyes in this product. The toothpaste and finger brush in the combo pack is meant to sooth the delicate and sensitive gums of your baby.
Parents comment that their children enjoy the berry flavour, and that it is also safe to consume.
Features that we love
- Because it is fluoride-free, it is harmless if swallowed.
- It is free of alcohol, paraben, aspartame, dye, sugar, SLS, dairy and gluten.
- It comes with a cool finger brush included in the combo set. The finger brush can be sanitised by immersing it in boiling water or washing it by hand.
Why it’s great
Tom's of Maine Natural Children's Fluoride Toothpaste’s strawberry flavour is a wonderful choice for newborns and younger children.
This natural children's toothpaste has a fruity scent to encourage kids to develop good brushing habits. It has a delicious, subtle fruity flavour that kids will enjoy brushing with every day.
“This is the only toothpaste I could find that is fluoridated, free of artificial dyes, and not minty. My kids love it," is what Lisa says about this toothpaste.
Features that we love
- Tom's of Maine Natural Children's Fluoride Toothpaste is preservative-free, and contains cavity-fighting fluoride.
- This children's toothpaste contains calcium and silica to gently clean teeth, and it is ADA Accepted and so is approved as safe and effective.
- The all-natural toothpaste has a delightful, fruity flavour that will encourage kids to brush their teeth properly.
Jack N Jill Natural Toothpaste comes in a wide range of natural toothpaste flavours, including banana, blackcurrant, blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry.
Its xylitol composition will keep your child’s mouth healthy and free of decay, while organic Calendula will soothe the child’s sensitive gums.
- Jack N Jill Natural Toothpaste helps establish your children's oral hygiene habits with its wide variety of natural flavours.
- This natural toothpaste is free of toxins and fluoride, and is safe to ingest from the age of six months (when a baby's first teeth generally appear).
- Natural ingredients such as Xylitol and Calendula help soothe gums and fight tooth decay.
Price Comparison
