Let’s talk about the importance of fluoride in toothpaste. We’ll explore what it does for teeth and the fluoride content found in toothpaste formulas. Additionally, we’ll discuss when kids should start using fluoride toothpastes and why it’s an essential part of children’s oral health. And, if you’re still unsure about the value of fluoride in toothpaste, we’ll speak to Orajel™ Kids fluoride-free toothpaste formulas for kids.
What Does Fluoride Do For Teeth?
Fluoride in toothpaste helps with tooth remineralization. It helps reduce minerals lost from acid breakdown, which can occur when we eat or drink. In the presence of fluoride, the enamel can rebuild into fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid attack than enamel without fluoride.
Fluoride’s presence on teeth and saliva can also strengthen the outer enamel, making it more resistant to damage. This can be especially important for kids as their dental enamel grows, as it may reinforce the outer layer against acid breakdown and thus help prevent cavities later in life – so long as kids observe good oral health habits and routinely receive dental cleanings.
How Much Fluoride is in Toothpaste?
Most toothpaste formulas contain somewhere between 1100-1500 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride. Commercial fluoride toothpastes for kids typically contain closer to 1000 ppm of fluoride.
Usually, the fluoride in kids toothpaste formulas is sodium fluoride. This inorganic compound resembles a small crystalline substance or fine powder that dissolves easily in water. As a side note, small amounts of sodium fluoride can be present in municipal water systems that help deliver drinking water to your home.
Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?
Fluoride is generally considered safe for kids when used as directed. The only potential health risks typically involve misuse or fluoride ingestion.
Some studies have suggested that higher exposure to fluoride – notably in available drinking water – can have an impact on children’s neurological development. However, the same study noted that there was “insufficient data” to determine if recommended fluoride levels of 0.7mg/L currently recommended in U.S. community water supplies has a negative effect on children’s cognition.
Again, it’s important to remember that the conducted analyses specifically study fluoride content in drinking water – the studies do not have any implications for fluoride in kids’ toothpaste formulas. Reach out to a local official if you’re curious about the levels of fluoride in your community drinking water, and consider consulting a medical health professional for what they deem as acceptable when it comes to fluoride and your kid(s).
Do Kids Need Fluoride Toothpaste?
Yes, kids need fluoride toothpaste. As discussed, it can help strengthen your children’s enamel early on and help provide resistance against acid breakdown. Fluoride toothpastes for kids are also clinically proven to help reduce cavities compared to fluoride-free toothpastes for kids!
Studies have shown that toothpastes containing at least 1000 ppm of fluoride were more effective at reducing tooth decay and oral caries (cavities). The evidence held true both for permanent teeth and for primary teeth, which children typically have until around six years old.
So, to reiterate, fluoride toothpastes can help strengthen your kids’ enamel while effectively cleaning teeth and making it less likely your little ones will experience new decay or cavities. That’s why it’s so essential that they use fluoride toothpaste!
Now that you know the “why” behind fluoride in toothpaste and the benefits for your kiddos’ chompers, it’s time to discuss the “when” in the brushing process and what to do once your kids can brush their own teeth.
When to Start Using Fluoride Toothpaste
You might consider using a fluoride toothpaste for kids once your little one’s first tooth emerges if advised by your doctor or dentist. Regardless, kids should start using fluoride toothpaste no later than 3 years old.
The CDC recommends consulting with a doctor or dentist about using a fluoride toothpaste for kids before 2 years old. You should probably do so as soon as the first tooth emerges – with the teething process typically beginning at around 6 months old. If your healthcare provider gives the go-ahead, be sure to follow their guidance carefully.
Once your kids are old enough to brush their own teeth, it’s important to teach them how to brush correctly and monitor the process. For example, you want to make sure they’re brushing for a full 2 minutes and addressing their back molars, which can be hard for even adults to brush!
It’s also imperative to teach them to spit out all the toothpaste to minimize the risk of fluoride ingestion. That’s part of why the CDC recommends only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children over 3 years old – and even for adults as well!
Orajel™ Kids Offers Both Fluoride and Fluoride-Free Toothpastes for Kids
Now that you know the benefits of fluoride toothpastes for kids, try Orajel Kids™ anticavity toothpastes ! Our packages come with fun character connections that reflect your little ones’ different ages and stages as they grow, making for a fun element in getting kids to brush their teeth. Try any of the following with fluoride:
- Orajel™ Kids Magical Unicorn/Mermaid Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
- Orajel™ Kids PAW Patrol™ Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
- Orajel™ Kids Mario Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
- Orajel™ Kids Jurassic World™ Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste
Or, if your dentist recommends a fluoride-free toothpaste for your toddler, try Orajel™ Kids Fluoride-Free Toothpastes ! These formulas are naturally sourced and also come in fun character connections such as CoComelon™ and Sesame Street™.
Looking for a gentle touch for your newborn? You can opt for Orajel™ Kids Tooth & Gum Cleaners , which are equipped with a finger brush and are the #1 pediatrician recommended tooth and gum cleansers among those who recommend a brand.
Whether you’re looking for a fluoride toothpaste for kids, fluoride-free formula, or something that will help gently clean your newborn’s budding milk teeth, Orajel™ Kids has you covered!
