Tooth decay is a common childhood disease in the United States. According to a CDC report, 20% of kids between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one decayed tooth. To help your kids avoid tooth decay, teach them the importance of regular brushing. The first step to doing this is getting them the right toothpaste. Here are some tips to help you along:
- Fluoride treatment is very effective against tooth decay, so be sure to get a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Stand around while they brush to make sure they don’t swallow the toothpaste, though. Ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride is bad for the body.
- Avoid over-the-counter whitening toothpaste. Some of them contain abrasives, and while they may clean deeply-set stains from the surface of the teeth, they also rub off tooth enamel. If the enamel is cleaned off, the tooth is exposed to infections. Talk to a dentist about safe whitening options for your child.
- Always look out for the American Dental Association’s seal whenever you’re shopping for toothpaste and dental care products. The ADA has strict requirements, any product that carries their seal of approval has been proven to be safe and effective.
- To make brushing attractive for your kids, get toothpaste with fruity flavors like orange, mango, or strawberry. You may also opt for bubblegum, vanilla, or chocolate flavors—depending on what your kids like. If you find a good brand with their favorite cartoon characters on the tube, even better.
Remember to teach your children to brush at least twice every day and floss daily. Also, don’t forget to take them to the dentist every 6 months for checkups. If you live in Texas, visit us at Village Park Family Dentistry in Cypress. Call 281-376-4444 to make an appointment.