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All pediatric dentists, including our own at Modesto Kidz Dental, will tell you that you need to brush your baby’s teeth daily to keep dental cavities away and maintain your child’s oral health. 

On the other hand, when it comes to choosing a toothpaste, things are a bit more complex. It can be a tough task given that there are dozens of options on the market, all of them claiming to be the best toothpaste for your child. 

To cut through the confusion, in this blog, we’ll tell you what to look for in a baby toothpaste and what ingredients to avoid. This way, you’ll be able to choose the best toothpaste for your child in no time. 

How Important Is Brushing Teeth in Babies and Toddlers?

The short answer is that it is very important. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you start brushing your baby’s teeth with toothpaste right after the first tooth emerges. 

The American Dental Association notes that this is because cavities can even appear in baby teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste can help prevent cavities from forming and causing decay.

What to Look For in a Baby Toothpaste?

Here are a few things you need to look for in a baby toothpaste:

• Flavor

Baby toothpaste often has fruity flavors compared to the minty flavors in toothpaste for adults. This is because minty flavors are often too strong and children may not like them. 

• ADA Seal of Approval

The American Dental Association’s seal of approval is very important in baby toothpaste. This is because the dental health board analyzes years’ worth of test results before approving them. Therefore, if the toothpaste has its seal of approval, you can trust it. 

• Okay to Swallow

Babies can’t spit properly until much later in life and some ingredients in toothpaste should not be swallowed by small children. Therefore, you should find a type of toothpaste that is safe to swallow.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid?

For very small children, you should only use fluoride toothpaste in tiny amounts, about the size of a rice grain. Ingredients you should avoid include abrasive agents, essential oils, and sodium lauryl sulfates.

For older children, you can increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste you use (the size of a pea). On the other hand, you should avoid toothpaste that contains artificial sweeteners or colors. 

Caring for your child’s teeth can be challenging. At Modesto Kidz Dental, we have the best pediatric dentistry specialists that can help you navigate your options. You can get in touch with them by calling (209) 578 3131, booking an appointment online, or visiting our office at Bldg B, 2108 Coffee Road, Modesto, California.