Choosing The Right Toothpaste For Your Kids

Getting your child to brush twice a day can sometimes be a fun adventure or a tedious task. However, regular brushing is vital as it helps prevent plaque, cavities, and potential oral problems. Before exploring various kids toothpastes, it is ideal to understand when to introduce toothpaste to your child’s personal care oral routine.

Oral care can begin a few days after birth by wiping the baby’s gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or a wet washcloth after every feeding and before bed. As baby teeth start erupting in most babies around the sixth month, cleaning them regularly using a soft toothbrush and water is ideal. You may include fluoridated toothpaste when they are about two years old and teach them to spit it out instead of swallowing.

Keeping your child's smile healthy starts with proper brushing habits. But how much toothpaste should they use? The Indian Dental Association (IDA) has some key advice to ensure your child gets the right amount of cleaning power without any risks. Let's explore what the IDA recommends for different age groups.

• Age 0-2: During this stage, the focus is on cleaning the teeth with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush moistened with water. Fluoride toothpaste isn't necessary yet. Regular dental checkups with a paediatrician are recommended every 6 months.
• Age 2-6: Once your child develops better control and can start spitting, you can introduce a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. The IDA advises caution with fluoridated toothpaste for children under 6 because they might swallow it.
• Age 7 and above: By this age, most children can manage spitting effectively. You can increase the toothpaste amount to a 1-inch strip on a soft-bristled toothbrush, similar to what adults use.

One may be tempted by the fluoride-free toothpaste available in stores. However, understanding the importance of fluoride for oral health is crucial. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found in drinking water and foods, helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. According to IDA, fluoride exposure during tooth development (6 months to 16 years) leads to shallower grooves on tooth surfaces, making it easy to remove plaque. Most toothpastes available today contain fluoride, which is usually sufficient to reduce tooth decay. When brushing children’s teeth using toothpaste for kids, parental supervision is essential.

As a new parent, it is natural to wonder which baby toothpaste to choose for your little one. One may consider several factors, such as abrasiveness, ingredients, and flavour. The best toothpaste for kids should ideally be less abrasive than adult toothpaste, act gently on the tender teeth and gums, and not contain any artificial ingredients. Amidst the numerous kids products available, the kids Colgate toothpaste range is worth trying. It can keep your child’s mouth healthy and make your little one enjoy brushing their teeth.

• If you are looking for cavity protection, Colgate Kids Toothpaste for 6+ year-olds is ideal. Colgate toothpaste for kids protects the milk teeth from cavities and mitigates the chances of cavities in permanent teeth that erupt later. With low RDA (Relative Dentine Abrasion), it is 50% less abrasive than adult toothpaste. It gently cleans teeth and scrubs germs away without harming the tooth enamel. It prevents plaque, bad breath, and enamel problems. This bubble fruit flavour toothpaste with your child’s favourite characters on the pack will make your kid love brushing.

• Another toothpaste pick for your little one’s oral care is Colgate Toothpaste for Kids (3-5 years). It protects your toddler’s teeth from cavities and gives tender care. It is 50% less abrasive than adult toothpaste and is gentle on delicate enamel. It scrubs off germs and cleans the teeth gently. The Colgate kids toothpaste comes in a natural flavour and contains no artificial preservatives, flavours, colours, or sweeteners. It protects your kid’s mouth from cavities, plaque, enamel problems, and bad breath.

In conclusion, maintaining good oral hygiene for children should begin even before teeth erupt. With parental supervision, using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste from age two is crucial for preventing tooth cavities. By understanding the ingredients and features of various toothpaste for kids, you may choose the ideal pick for your child's healthy and bright smile.

1. My child refuses toothpaste! What should I do?
   While children’s toothpaste in India usually contains natural fruity flavours, such as bubble fruit, strawberry toothpaste with strawberry flavour and even mint flavour. You can let your child pick his or her favourite toothpaste and include an attractive kids toothbrush in a fun colour or with their favourite character as a combo pack to make brushing enjoyable.
2. How can I help my child get comfortable using toothpaste?
   Using kids toothpaste is ideal, as it is less abrasive and gentle on kids’ teeth and gums. You can let your child pick from various toothpaste flavours, such as bubble fruit or strawberry, and packs featuring cartoons. For instance, try Colgate Motu Patlu toothpaste with a bubble fruit flavour that features your child's favourite cartoon characters on the pack.
3. What is the safest toothpaste for kids?
   The safest toothpaste for kids is usually 50% less abrasive than adult toothpaste. The best toothpaste for kids works by gently cleaning the tender teeth and gums and does not contain any artificial ingredients, flavours, colours, or preservatives.
4. How much toothpaste should my child use?
   A smear or rice-grain size of fluoride toothpaste is enough for children under two. Children aged between two and seven may use a pea-sized amount. In either case, parental supervision is essential to ensure they spit it out.