Toothpaste Tips & 5 Fun Fluoride Facts

Meet your child’s oral superheroes

What do toothpaste and fluoride have in common? They’re your child’s oral superheroes, battling the bad bacteria that damage teeth and gums. Help your child win the war against cavities and gum disease by following these tips:

Toothpaste tips

Start cleaning your baby’s gums at birth using water and a soft infant toothbrush or washcloth. Use a smear (about the size of a rice grain) of fluoridated toothpaste after his first tooth erupts. Pick up an age-appropriate toothbrush and help your little one brush twice a day, after breakfast and before bed.

Continue using a smear of toothpaste until your toddler reaches two to three years of age. Switch to a pea-size amount once your child is able to spit effectively. Keep helping your child brush his teeth twice a day until age 8.

Many parents ask us what toothpaste they should get for their child. We recommend a fluoridated toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Here are a few kid-friendly brands:

• Colgate for Kids (Dora, Monster High, SpongeBob, Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles, Transformers)
• Colgate® Fresh N’ Protect Toothpaste
• Tom’s of Maine Children’s Gel Fruitilicious
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Toothpaste for Children (Silly Strawberry, Outrageous Orange Mango)
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Wicked Cool! Fluoride Toothpaste

5 Fun Fluoride Facts

To get the ADA’s Seal, a toothpaste must contain fluoride. Fluoride is the magic ingredient that gives toothpaste its super powers. Check out these fun facts about fluoride:

1. Fluoride stops harmful bacteria from breaking down tooth enamel.
2. Fluoride helps rebuild tooth enamel that has started to break down.
3. Babies need fluoride to strengthen developing teeth, even before teeth break through the gums.
4. Most community drinking water contains enough fluoride to aid in the prevention of tooth decay.
5. Dentists recommend topical fluoride treatments during a child’s regular cleaning every six months or more frequently if needed.

Give your child a fighting chance at great oral health! Get a fluoridated toothpaste and schedule a pediatric dental visit every six months.