How To Pick The Right Toothpaste For Your Baby?

One of the most precious gift humans have is the ability to smile. The smile is further enhanced by a set of clean, white teeth. Oral hygiene ought to begin when the first tooth appears. The first tooth can appear anytime between 3 months to 12 months. Breastfed children are safer when compared to formula fed infants. Still it is essential to develop a proper routine from the time the first tooth appears.

Till the age of one, you may use soft silicone gel finger brush or wet gauze to rub and clean the teeth. No toothpaste is needed. From the age of one you have to use toothpaste to brush their teeth. Brushing has to be done twice- once in the morning when they wake up and once at bedtime after the last meal. The night brushing is most important. After brushing avoid giving milk to make your child fall asleep. This habit can cause permanent damage later on. Sleeping with milk around the teeth decays the gums and teeth. It would damage the permanent teeth later too.

1. Start with a speck of paste- the size of a rice grain as toddlers do not know to spit it out. From the age of two they can be taught to spit. Still it may not be spat out fully. Hence it is important you do not use more than a speck. Once they learn to spit out the size of paste may be increased to pea size.

2, Select toothpaste meant for children only. Do check the ingredients. Phosphate and alumina in large amounts are abrasive and harmful.

3. Select a toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride is very essential as it leads to strengthening of the permanent teeth later on.

4. Select a fruity favour so that it is attractive for toddlers. Strawberry is generally the most favoured flavour. Adults may like mint and the tingly feeling but children usually do not like such flavours.

5. Select a toothbrush meant for toddlers or age appropriate.

6. It is advisable to seek dentist appointment at 18 months of age to check and verify your child’s dental hygiene.

7. While brushing, take care to clean the gums too. Setting this as a routine is crucial as it would grow into the right habit by the time permanent teeth come.

8. Taking care of milk teeth prevents gum and tooth decay, misalignment of permanent teeth and cavities. Proper care of milk teeth strengthens the roots.

9. Plenty of toothpastes are available. Check for a good, reputed and well- known brand. Nowadays with online shopping sites, there are plenty of options. Do keep in mind to select one with fluoride.

10. Take care to personally supervise children’s brushing till they are 6 years of age. All the best and keep smiling.