CHOOSING CHILDREN'S TOOTHPASTE

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s teeth is to choose the right toothpaste one that is specially formulated for children.

With so many toothpaste options available on our supermarket shelves, it can be overwhelming to know what the difference is and which is the best one for your little ones. In this article, we provide some tips for choosing the right children's toothpaste.

WHY CAN'T CHILDREN USE ADULT TOOTHPASTE?

Children should not use adult toothpaste primarily because adult toothpaste often contains higher levels of fluoride, which can be harmful to little ones if they ingest it in large quantities.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste because it helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. However, young children, especially those under the age of six, are more prone to swallowing toothpaste while brushing their teeth. Gulping excessive amounts of fluoride toothpaste can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which causes white spots or streaks to appear on the teeth.

In severe cases, it can cause brown discoloration and even weaken the enamel.

Children's toothpaste

Children's toothpaste, on the other hand, typically contains lower levels of fluoride or is fluoride-free, making it safer for children who are still learning to brush their teeth without swallowing the toothpaste.

Additionally, children's toothpaste often comes in flavours that are more appealing to kids, which can encourage them to brush regularly and develop good oral hygiene habits from a young age. These toothpastes may also be formulated with ingredients that are more gentle on a child's developing teeth and gums.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING CHILDREN'S TOOTHPASTE