Choosing the Best Dental Products for Kids
July 8th, 2010 by Bill E. Kidd
Choosing the best dental products for kids is often a battle between what works and what looks snazzy to a kid. You want fluoride fortified, extra cleansing toothpaste, and your kids want the one in the Sponge Bob package that takes like candy. Where do you draw the line at compromise?
Choosing the Best Toothpaste for Kids
As long as your kids are brushing, it doesn’t matter what toothpaste they are using, right? Well, it’s important that your kids like to brush and that they do so often. However, if they are using a sugary toothpaste without fluoride, you might want to rethink your toothpaste policy.
There’s nothing wrong with allowing your kids to participate in shopping for and selecting a toothpaste, but you should still provide some guidance and have the final say in any purchases that are made. Steer your kids toward a toothpaste that contains fluoride if they are old enough to use a fluorinated paste. Otherwise, let them select the brand and flavor they will enjoy.
When helping your child to brush his or her teeth, be sure to encourage them not to use too much toothpaste and be careful not to swallow the paste. If they tend to swallow the toothpaste rather than spit it out, switch to a non-fluorinated paste until they are older.
Choosing the Best Toothbrush for Kids
When selecting a toothbrush for you children, be sure to match the size of the toothbrush with each child’s mouth. If they have a smaller mouth, you may need to purchase toddler-sized toothbrushes for several years.
Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child to avoid damaging the teeth and gums. Instruct your child to brush up and down, and not to put too much pressure on the teeth while brushing. Toothbrushes with grips on the handle can help kids who are still developing fine motor control. It can also help a smaller child keep hold of a wet, slippery toothbrush.
When selecting a toothbrush, let your child have a say in what colors or themes you select. This will help increase their motivation to brush since they have chosen a brush that they can relate to and enjoy.
Choosing the best dental products for kids involves balancing the quality they need with the features they desire. Fruity flavored toothpastes, cartoon character themed toothbrushes, and wacky light up, gimmicky dental products are okay as long as they help motivate your children to brush and are age appropriate.
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