Cedar Rapids

Let’s talk toothpaste

with Dr. Terry Geneser of CR Pediatric Dentistry

in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Fun fact; people have been using material to clean their teeth since 500 B.C.. It started with crushed burnt hooves and egg shells. Thankfully, things have improved since then and we now have a wide assortment of toothpastes to choose from.

Ingredients in ‘natural’ and ‘conventional’ toothpastes are very similar. The choice comes down to your kids taste preference, and your preference with how they’re flavored and dyed. For this post we did a super scientific CR Pediatric Dentistry experiment (just kidding, we just went to Target on Blairsferry Road and looked at the labels. Ha!) and compared Colgate’s Strawberry Smash Toothpaste, and Tom’s of Maine Silly Strawberry.

To start with, for the happiest smiles (and happiest kid dentists' in Linn County), make sure there’s fluoride in your toothpaste. In fact, among the many shared ingredients between the two toothpastes we compared, the most important is fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent painful cavities and decay by strengthening the outer surface of your kids' teeth, helping keep a healthy and strong smile. Most kids who have fluoride in their drinking water AND use a toothpaste that contains fluoride are getting a sufficient amount to prevent issues. You can see if it’s in your drinking water here:

https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default/Default.aspx

In the past, some have said that fluoride toothpaste should only be used for kids old enough to know how to spit into the sink. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend fluoride toothpaste be used from the start - and we here at Cedar Rapids Pediatric Dentistry agree! The amount recommended varies depending on age.

A tiny smear amount - the size of a grain of rice - should be used for kiddos two and under. This amount is SAFE if ingested. However, you should start encouraging your child to lean forward so they can practice the idea of spitting at an early age.  Once they get to the age of two, it’s easier to tell them to spit their toothpaste out, and they can have a pea sized amount of toothpaste (they may not be perfect spitters until they reach kindergarten!  So no worries if it still gets swallowed - a pea sized ball of toothpaste for children over two years old is still SAFE!)

If your kids have a sensitive mouth, or you notice that they’re resistant to brushing their teeth, try switching things up! It could be that a more conventional brand has an abrasive or detergent that is too harsh for them. It could also be that they prefer one flavor over another. Sometimes it's a texture thing - there are gel-based (smoother) and paste-based (grittier) options out there!  Maybe they need a superhero or animal on the tube?! Take a trip to the store together the next time you’re ready to re-stock! Giving your kiddos say in their toothpaste decision can be empowering, and make them more willing to keep their twice daily tooth brushing schedule.

The toothpaste we use at CR Pediatric Dentistry is Crest Kids' Sparkle Fun. Dr. Geneser and Dr. Swenson both likes it because it is bubble-gum mint flavored (a good mix that most kids like!) with a fun name and fluoride to keep that smile healthy.  You can get samples at your next check-up!

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