There is no doubt that looking after teeth from an early age is well worth the effort. When your little one starts growing their first teeth, many parents wonder how best to care for them. A common question is which toothpaste to recommend for children. In this article we share advice on choosing the right kids’ toothpaste depending on your child’s age.
Why does a child need a special toothpaste?
Children’s teeth are more delicate than adult teeth, so they need extra care with products designed specifically for kids’ oral hygiene.
What’s more, brushing is a brand-new experience for a small child. Making it a pleasant one will help motivate them to look after their teeth on their own as they grow up.
As well as buying fun toothbrushes for children, you also need to think about the right toothpaste – one that gives your child good protection against tooth decay and that they actually enjoy using. What does the best children’s toothpaste look like?
- a paste containing natural ingredients (e.g. silica gel, cranberry, xylitol, fennel oil, liquorice extract, thyme, vegetable glycerin),
- a gentle paste free from abrasive particles that could damage delicate enamel,
- a paste free from preservatives, colouring agents, parabens, SLS, saccharin, and menthol,
- a paste free from titanium dioxide, which is an enamel colour stabiliser (particularly important for very young children),
- a paste that holds a recognised safety certificate,
- a paste with a smell, colour, and flavour your child enjoys,
- a paste with the right fluoride content for your child’s age.
Caring for a baby’s teeth
When your baby doesn’t have any teeth yet, care focuses on the gums alone. You shouldn’t use any toothpaste at this stage – simply wipe the gums with a damp gauze pad at least twice a day, ideally after every feed and before sleep. This removes bacteria from the gums and reduces the build-up of plaque that could damage the teeth just beginning to come through.
Toothpaste for young children…
The question of fluoride content in children’s toothpaste deserves a fuller explanation. Fluoride is a well-known and key ingredient in most toothpastes – it strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to bacteria and helping to repair tiny cavities.
For children under 2, however, it is recommended to use fluoride-free toothpaste. Why? Children this young tend to swallow leftover paste, which means more fluoride than recommended can enter their body and potentially cause a condition called fluorosis. Fluorosis significantly affects the appearance of teeth, causing unsightly discolouration and damaging the enamel.
…and toothpaste for older children
Once your child reaches 2 and there is no longer a risk of them swallowing toothpaste while brushing, it’s a good idea to move to oral hygiene products with a reduced fluoride dose. The safest level recommended by dentists at this age is 250–500 ppm. Remember to use only a pea-sized amount. Brushing should be done by a parent, or by the child under an adult’s supervision.
A toothpaste with a higher fluoride content (around 1000 ppm) can be introduced when your child reaches 7. From the age of 8 or 9, most children can switch to an adult toothpaste, where fluoride concentration typically ranges from 1000 to 1400 ppm. By this age children generally have enough awareness during brushing that spitting out excess paste becomes automatic. That said, don’t push a child to use a toothpaste they dislike – giving them some choice will help them stay enthusiastic about dental care.
To spare your child many unpleasant dental appointments in the future, it really pays to look after their teeth from the very beginning and build good habits along the way. If you are not sure which toothpaste is best for your child, ask your dentist at your child’s first appointment. That first visit is worth scheduling around the time they turn 2.
