Most parents have pretty good knowledge about general oral hygiene. Yet, one look at the toothpaste aisle can be very overwhelming in choosing the right toothpaste for your kid. Is fluoride safe for the child? When to start using toothpaste? What is the correct quantity of toothpaste for my kid?

When Should Babies Start Using Toothpaste?

Parents can start cleaning their infant’s mouth from birth by wiping down their gums with a soft cloth or piece of moistened gauze. They can begin brushing their child’s teeth with a small, soft, infant-sized toothbrush as soon as their first tooth emerges.

Is fluoride toothpaste safe for kids?

Fluoride, in the correct dose, is absolutely safe for babies. It is a naturally occurring mineral that prevents tooth decay, strengthens tooth enamel and is essential for proper tooth development. Starting fluoride toothpaste is recommended as soon as they get that first tooth.

What is the right amount of Toothpaste for the baby?

• According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years should have some form of fluoride.
• A “smear” of fluoride toothpaste twice a day when the first tooth appears and until age 3. Once your child has turned 3, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used.
• Teens – A thin ribbon across the toothbrush head Use of the correct amount of toothpaste is important to avoid using too much fluoride.

What’s the Best Toothpaste for Kids?

The best kids’ toothpaste will be a fluoride toothpaste with ADA Seal of Acceptance on the package. Having the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the toothpaste means it has been tested to be safe and effective. Parents can also look for kid-friendly flavor which will make them more likely to want to brush their teeth.

These are some of the best toothpaste for kids that are approved by the ADA.

• Tom’s of Maine Natural Anti-Cavity Kid’s Toothpaste – This toothpaste contains fluoride but doesn’t have any artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives. The Silly Strawberry flavor is a true crowd-pleaser among the tiny crowd!
• Aquafresh® Bubble Mint Toothpaste – You get cavity protection and a great taste with this toothpaste. One of the reasons we consider it among the best toothpaste for kids is its low abrasion so even if kids who are learning to brush use too much pressure, their teeth will be safe.
• Colgate® Kids’ Mild Bubble Fruit Flavor – This Colgate toothpaste for toddlers, babies and kids is gentle, sugar-free, fights cavities and has a mild flavor. You can get it with a variety of characters on the packaging like Minions or Trolls. Kids ages six and up might prefer the Colgate Kids 2in1 Toothpaste, which combines toothpaste and mouthwash in one formula.
• Crest® Kids’ Cavity Protection Toothpaste – These mild, enamel-safe toothpaste for children are tasty and protect little teeth from cavities. You can find versions featuring Frozen, Toy Story, Mickey Mouse and more.
• Burt’s Bees Kids’ Fruit Fusion Toothpaste – Burt’s Bees is another ADA-accepted kids’ toothpaste that has cavity-fighting fluoride. It has a fruity flavor and is made without artificial ingredients. As a bonus, the tubes are recyclable.
• PRO-SYS Kids Fluoride Toothpaste – This ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste for kids comes in a bubblegum flavor. It’s tasty and foams nicely to get in between teeth.