What Toothpaste Is Good To Use For Toddlers?

Posted on 12/15/2023 by Fariba Mutschler

If you have a toddler, you know this age is where the real fun begins with children. Toddlers are able to walk, and they will begin talking during the toddler years. Toddler parents have a lot of questions, and often, those questions are about caring for your toddler's teeth. Here is some information about cleaning your toddler's teeth and how to make sure they have good dental hygiene.

About Those Toddler Teeth

Many babies move into the toddler years (which begin after their first birthdays) with at least one or two teeth. Once those teeth erupt (or appear), you will need to brush your baby's teeth after they eat. Be sure that you are using toothpaste and toothbrushes designed for infants until your toddler reaches 18 months old. After toddlers reach 18 months of age, you can use fluoride toothpaste, but be sure you are using a very small amount. Until your toddler starts to get multiple teeth in a row, you don't need to floss.

What If My Toddler Doesn't Like Toothpaste?

Toddlers are notoriously picky about everything, and one of those picky areas for many toddlers is toothpaste and toothbrushes. One way around this issue is to have your toddler try different flavors. Many children's toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors, including bubble gum, grape, strawberry, and cherry. If your toddler balks at any of the flavored toothpaste, you can try an unflavored toothpaste or baking soda.

Also, you can encourage your toddler to pick out a toothbrush they like. Just like there are lots of toothpaste flavors, there are also lots of kid-friendly toothbrushes as well. Your toddler can pick from superheroes, princesses, cartoon characters, cars, legos, or other kid favorites. By allowing your toddler some freedom of choice, they'll be more agreeable about brushing.

One final thought- if you want your toddler to brush regularly, you need to set a good example. Let your toddler see you brushing and flossing regularly. Children imitate what they see- so be sure you are being a brushing and flossing role model.

My daughter was a little nervous to have her dental work done but everyone in the office was super friendly and very reassuring and that helped her nervousness go away. Thanks for the excellent dental experience. ~ Lilyana G.

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Our Dental Blog | Great Grins Pediatric Dentistry - Portland, OR
Dr. Fariba Mutschler & Dr. Mark Mutschler have created this informative blog to help educate the community. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please use the share it button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
Great Grins for KIDS Portland, 13908 SE Stark Street, Ste C, Portland, OR 97233-2161 / (971) 470-0054 / portlandchildrensdentist.com / 10/3/2024 / Related Phrases: pediatric dentist Portland /