Baby First Teeth: When to Use Toddler Toothpaste?

During the early stages of tooth development, be especially gentle with your baby's teeth and gums. Use a soft-bristled baby toothbrush or finger brush and a light touch when cleaning your baby's new teeth. You only need to use water at this stage - no toothpaste necessary, unless recommended by your baby's dentist. Use the toothbrush to softly massage his gums even where there are no exposed teeth. This gets your baby used to the feeling of the toothbrush in his mouth and lets him learn that brushing is a pleasant experience, not something that should be frightening or irritating.

Toothpaste should not be used on babies younger than the age of two, because babies cannot expectorate (spit it out).

Fluoride is a good thing in the right amount at the right developmental stage, but not during infancy. Start your little one on fluoride-free infant and toddler toothpaste, then when your dentist recommends switching to a fluoride toothpaste or when your child is around two years old.

To be certain of the right time to switch your child over to fluoride toothpaste, discuss your child's fluoride and dental care needs with your dentist or paediatrician.

When your child passes the infancy stage and is ready to use toothpaste, go ahead and taste your little one's new toothpaste before using it in his mouth. Look for mildly sweet toothpaste that feels soft and natural as you rub it across your gums. This taste test is helpful, because most young children do not enjoy strong flavours. That means the minty-fresh toothpaste you enjoy could make your child cringe with discomfort. Look for more kid-friendly flavours, such as bubblegum or fruit.

After you have chosen the right toothpaste for your baby and have brushed his first teeth, be sure to take some pictures of that beautiful little toothy smile for your scrapbook or photo album. The photos turn an otherwise ordinary first teeth, baby toothpaste and fluoride experience into a treasured memory.