With dental aisles overflowing with toothbrush and toothpaste options, it isn’t always easy to know which items will improve your children’s dental health. Fortunately, by knowing what to look for and shopping accordingly, you can make daily oral care easier for your little ones. Here is a brief guide to choosing toothbrushes and toothpastes for your kids, and how your dentist can help. 

Which Kinds of Toothbrushes Are Best for Kids? 

You can clean a baby’s gums with a clean, wet washcloth. By the time they are toddler-age, you should start working with them to hold their own toothbrush to clean their teeth. 

Since kids are still mastering their technique, they should use toothbrushes made with either soft or extra soft bristles. Toothbrushes should also have a head small enough to fit into your child’s mouth, as well as a handle that’s easy for your child to grip comfortably. Get them involved in the selection process by letting them pick their favorite designs. This way, they’ll feel more invested in their dental health.

Which Toothpastes Are Safe? 

Although fluoride-free toothpastes were recommended for kids in the past, dentists and the American Dental Association (ADA) now recommend fluoride toothpastes to ward off early childhood tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens dental enamel on a microscopic level, making teeth less susceptible to cavities. Kids younger than three should use a smear of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrushes, and children under six shouldn’t use more than a pea-sized amount. When selecting toothpastes, look for the ADA seal of approval on the packaging. 

If you have questions about choosing dental supplies for your children, turn to Four Corners Dental Group. With two locations in Alaska, these dentists provide an array of preventive and restorative dentistry services, including checkups, root canals, dental crowns, and sealants. To book your child’s next appointment with a dentist, visit their website, or call (907) 258-3384 for Anchorage or (907) 376-2790 for their Wasilla location.