Brushing your teeth is a common part of getting ready for the day for most adults. However, we often forget our humble tooth brushing routine beginnings. Children need to begin working at establishing a good oral hygiene routine from a young age in order to maintain the health of their teeth, and mouth as a whole. As a parent, this means helping your child to brush their teeth and checking to see that brushing is done properly, purchasing a good toothbrush, and choosing and purchasing the right toothpaste for your child’s needs. This latter necessity can be difficult, especially for first time parents. Unfortunately, just because our parents went through this routine with us, it doesn’t mean we know what to do and what to look for. This is especially true since dental technology and research has changed and progressed, leading to better products available for dental health.
When to Begin Brushing
Before choosing toothpaste, it is important to know when it is safe to begin using one. The oral hygiene habits of a child are different from those of an adult, so toothpaste use must be strictly supervised.
It is recommended that tooth brushing begin as early as 4 months or age, or as soon as teeth begin to bud from the gums. Of course, at this point, the parents must do the brushing as the child is unable to. Early tooth brushing generally consists of using gauze or another spongy surface to wipe the teeth clean of bacteria and/or plaque. As the child grows and the teeth are used more extensively, it will be important to use a toothbrush and paste. At the earliest stages or oral care, no toothpaste is needed, nor should it ever be used.
When to Start Using Toothpaste
When several teeth have popped through the gums, you can switch from brushing the teeth with a cloth to brushing with a very soft, small brush. Some dentists recommend that toothpaste also be used at this point, while others hold off slightly longer. If you’re concerned, consult your pediatric dentist for exact instructions. What is agreed upon, is at this point in time, the right toothpaste will be fluoride free. Swallowing too much fluorinated toothpaste is very bad for baby, so a fluoride free toothpaste should be used at this time.
Many pediatric dentists ask that their patients hold off on introducing any toothpaste at all until the child is one year old. Fluorinated or not, this helps to prevent poisoning if the child is swallowing the toothpaste. When using toothpaste, there are several brands that are available at local drug stores that cater to infants. These include Baby Orajel brand which works to clean the teeth, but also offers a safe option for brushers from 4 months to 2 years of age. Always start out with very small pea-sized amounts of toothpaste and work up as the child shows a better understanding of how to use the toothpaste.
When good brushing habits are established (good brushing habits and good toothpaste habits – not swallowing the paste) you can begin introducing fluorinated toothpastes. Ask your pediatrician for recommended brands if you’re concerned. Otherwise, there are a number of reputable brands, like Colgate and Crest with children’s editions.
source: http://www.teethcenter.com/what-type-of-toothpaste-is-best-for-babies/
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I mostly agree with you. I think the toothpast for babies should be comfortable for them. Thanks for sharing.
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