As pediatric dentists, we know how important it is for your kids to have the right tools to take care of their teeth and gums. We only get to see your kids two days out of the year, so it is important they have the right toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste for the other 363 days. As a parent, the toothpaste aisle at your local grocery store can be confusing. Every toothpaste claims to have the support of 90% of the dental population and all of them say they do some percentage more than the other brands.
Before comparing all of the brands, their claims, and their flavors, you should pay attention to whether or not they have an ADA label. The ADA stands for the American Dental Association. Toothpaste makers can apply for the ADA seal of acceptance program when they make new kinds of toothpaste. If the box features the ADA’s seal of acceptance you know that it has been vetted by them. In order to get the seal, toothpaste has to be safe for you and your children and effective at fighting tooth decay, cavities, and preventing gum disease.
The first ingredient you should look for in a toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride provides many benefits for kids and parents. Most importantly it makes our teeth stronger and protects them from decay. Many cities and municipalities have added fluoride to water supplies so that the general public can benefit from how it improves bone strength. In some cases, dentists will recommend a special fluoride toothpaste to kids or adults if their teeth are beginning to decay or they have issues with their enamel.
Every toothpaste makes different claims about whitening, fighting tartar, preventing cavities, and other similar phrases. Let’s break down what each of these phrases actually means for you and your kids’ dental health.
If you have more questions about toothpaste, All Star Dental would be happy to discuss your kid’s dental health with you and your child. In fact, one often-overlooked element of toothpaste is its flavor. It may seem unimportant, but having a toothpaste your child likes to use will greatly impact how often they brush their teeth. Learn more about dental health and set up a dental exam with our offices in Chicago.