By: Dr. Natalie Carr-Bustillo, DDS, MS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
If your child is used to the sweet, fruity flavor of toddler gels, the "minty" bite of big kid toothpaste can be a shock. Find a "Bridge" flavor so you don't have to jump straight to mint. Look for fluoride toothpastes in milder flavors offered by Colgate Kids like bubblegum or watermelon to keep the transition tear-free.
Just like medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to toothpaste. Because children have different needs as they grow, the amount of toothpaste should change with them:
For children under 2 years: we advise you to ask your dentist or physician.
For children 2 to 6 years: use only a pea sized amount and supervise child's brushing and rinsing (to minimize swallowing).
It is a common habit to rinse with water immediately after brushing, but I actually recommend against it. Think of it like putting on lotion and then immediately washing your hands. To get the full benefits, have your child spit but avoid rinsing (or rinse only minimally) so the fluoride stays in contact with their teeth.
https://www.mychildrensteeth.org/the-importance-of-primary-teeth-and-how-to-care-for-them/
https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies--recommendations/fluoride-therapy/
The most important thing to remember is that consistency is more important than perfection. To effectively prevent cavities, fluoride needs to be in contact with the enamel frequently.
The Routine: Brush twice a day, once in the morning and once right before bed.
The Timer: Aim for two minutes of brushing each time.
The bedtime brush is the most critical of all, as saliva flow decreases during sleep, making teeth more vulnerable to plaque acids overnight.
Happy brushing! 🦷
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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