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Best Toothpaste for Kids With Cavities

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Tooth decay or cavities will likely occur in children right from the time their teeth start developing. Daily care for the teeth and gums can help prevent cavities and potential dental problems. However, it is common for parents to search for the best toothpaste for kids, which is often readily available over the counter, to address or prevent cavities.

Read on to learn the importance of brushing and when to introduce your toddler to toothpaste. Learn more about what to look for in kids’ toothpaste and some of the ideal picks to include in your little one's daily oral care routine.

Importance of Brushing For Kids

Brushing and flossing are essential for good oral hygiene. Ideally, children must cultivate the habit of brushing from an early age under parental supervision. Parents should brush their kids' teeth twice a day until they can brush on their own. Later, parents can accompany the child to demonstrate proper brushing techniques.

As brushing is more crucial than using toothpaste for toddlers, it is ideal to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect tooth enamel and gums from abrasion. For instance, consider using Colgate Toothbrush for Kids, designed for kids between 0 and 2 years of age with baby teeth and who are learning to brush. With a small head that provides easy access into the child’s mouth and extra-soft bristles, it gently cleans the developing teeth and gums.

Explore the Colgate Kids Toothbrush that helps protect your child's smile from cavities!

When Should Kids Start Using Toothpaste?

Brushing with toothpaste helps remove plaque and food debris from the teeth and gums. Some toothpastes are specially formulated with ingredients for whitening or combating oral issues, including cavities, enamel erosion, sensitive teeth, and gum disease. Children’s toothpaste differs from adult toothpaste, and is designed to protect the child's delicate tooth enamel and gums.

Ideally, you may use toothpaste on your child’s teeth from the age of two. In some cases, your dentist may suggest starting it earlier. The Indian Dental Association recommends using toothpaste amount equivalent to the size of a grain of rice for kids younger than two and a pea-sized amount until they are seven.

What to Look For in Toothpaste For Kids?

While picking toothpaste for kids, one may have to consider various factors, such as the ingredients, taste, and anti-cavity properties. Different aspects that you may look for in kids’ toothpaste include:

  • Mild abrasion:
    Ideally, look for toothpaste with a less abrasive formula than regular adult toothpaste, as children's teeth and gums are delicate and more susceptible to damage.
  • Ingredients:
    The right toothpaste for kids contains no artificial flavours, sweeteners, colours, or preservatives and is ideal for the tender teeth and gums of children.
  • Anti-cavity properties:
    Most toothpastes contain fluoride, a natural cavity-fighter that protects tooth enamel. Ideally, fluoride toothpaste for kids should be used for children over two years old to avoid fluorosis.

If you are looking for a toothpaste that combines these qualities, consider trying Colgate Motu Patlu Anticavity toothpaste for kids between 2 and 5 years old. It is formulated to prevent cavities in milk teeth and permanent teeth that erupt later. It is 50% less abrasive than adult toothpaste and gently scrubs off germs, preventing plaque, bad breath, and enamel problems. With a bubble fruit flavour and an attractive pack featuring your child’s favourite characters, it will make your child enjoy brushing.

Enhance your child's oral care with Colgate Motu Patlu Anticavity Toothpaste!

Toothpaste as a Weapon Against Cavities

It is worth knowing how teeth become susceptible to cavities and how regular brushing with toothpaste helps prevent it. Teeth naturally undergo demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization occurs when bacteria in the mouth combine with food debris to form plaque and produce acids that dissolve tooth enamel, eventually leading to tooth decay and cavities. Remineralization occurs when fluoride and other minerals, such as calcium in the saliva, repair the enamel.

When it comes to cavity prevention, using fluoride toothpaste is an ideal choice. Using the best toothpaste for cavities and removing plaque prevents tooth decay and strengthens teeth in children. In addition to choosing the best toothpaste for kids, proper brushing, ideally for two minutes twice daily, is also essential to make their teeth resistant to cavities.

Other Elements for Better Oral Health

Ideally, children are likely to have the coordination skills to brush independently by age six. Besides brushing with the best kids’ toothpaste, you can do a lot more to make your child’s teeth cavity-resistant. They include:

  • Flossing:
    Flossing (or interdental cleaning) is essential once your child has multiple adjacent teeth. It removes plaque from the gum line and between the teeth. If children find it challenging to floss alone, using floss picks can be handy.
  • Dental check-ups:
    It is ideal to schedule regular dental checkups for your child every six months, especially as their permanent teeth develop. A paediatric dentist may provide dental cleaning, check for signs of tooth decay, and suggest fluoride treatment for extra cavity protection if required.
  • Use of mouthwash:
    You may have your child use a dentist-recommended mouthwash or rinse that is safely designed for children. Make sure to demonstrate how to use them without swallowing.
  • Healthy diet:
    As children grow, it is vital to incorporate nutritious dietary habits that help their oral health and prevent deficiencies that can weaken teeth and gums.

Proper dental care and hygiene are essential to help children have healthy teeth. Regular brushing habits from an early age and using the best toothpaste for kids are crucial in fighting cavities. You may look for child-friendly ingredients and fluoride content while choosing the best toothpaste for cavities. Ensure parental supervision for your child’s oral care routine and include a healthy diet, regular flossing, and dental check-ups to retain your child’s healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the safest toothpaste for kids?
    Ideally, the safest toothpaste for kids should have a 50% less abrasive formula than adult toothpaste. The best toothpaste for kids may be a natural-flavoured toothpaste that does not contain artificial sweeteners, flavours, colours, or preservatives. It should gently clean teeth without harming delicate teeth and gums and can have anti-cavity properties.
  2. Is normal toothpaste okay for kids?
    Normal toothpaste used by adults is different from kids’ toothpaste. Regular adult toothpaste is more abrasive and may contain a higher amount of fluoride, and ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), whereas toothpaste for kids is specially designed to clean gently without harming their tender teeth and gums.
  3. How do I choose the best toothpaste for my kids?
    As kids’ teeth and gums are tender, you should ideally choose a kids' toothpaste from a reputed toothpaste brand, such as Colgate Kids toothpaste. The best toothpaste for kids is less abrasive than adult toothpaste and lacks any artificial ingredients that may potentially harm your kids' teeth and gums.
  4. What age is kids’ toothpaste for?
    Children’s toothpaste may include baby toothpaste designed for infants to children aged two. Anticavity toothpaste for kids can be used for children between two and eight years old.

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