WHAT TOOTHPASTE CAN BE USED FOR CHILDREN?
The most common question parents ask dentists is, “What toothpaste can I use for my kid?” Most of us don’t give importance to the toothpaste we use for us or for our children.
Toothpastes we use for adults cannot be used for children as they have high fluoride content. Also the use of tooth pastes differ for every age group. When we choose a tooth paste for kids, we should keep in mind the following criteria:
- Fluoride content
- Amount of toothpaste to be taken
- Age of the children
For children below 3 years of age, the tooth paste should not contain fluoride at all as the tendency for them to swallow the paste is higher. This will have adverse effect on their teeth as it causes in built stains which cannot be removed. Only an amount of grain of rice should be taken.
For Children between 3-6 years of age, we should choose a tooth paste which contains fluoride <750 ppm. Only a pea sized amount of tooth paste should be taken to brush.
For Children between 6-12 years of age, we should choose a tooth paste containing 750 – 1000 ppm fluoride that too a pea sized amount.
For all the kids below 6 years of age, it will be better for the parents to brush as kids feel brushing a very difficult task and most of the time avoid doing it. From 6-12 years, we must ask the children to brush themselves but should supervise them doing it for better oral health.
WHAT TOOTHPASTE CAN BE USED FOR CHILDREN? The most common question parents ask dentists is, “What toothpaste can I use for my kid?” Most of us don’t give importance to the toothpaste we use for us or for our children. Toothpastes we use for adults cannot be used for children as they have high fluoride
