Toothpaste is Toothpaste, Right? Wrong!

At the office of Happy Smiles Dentistry of Westchester, parents often ask us how to choose the best toothpaste for their child. Toothpaste is big business, and there are dozens of options available. Our professional team is committed to your child’s oral health, and wants to play an active role in helping them develop good dental practices that will last a lifetime.

There are so many choices that it can be difficult to find one that is best for your child’s oral health. Here are a few quick guidelines to make sure you find one that’s right:

Look for the ADA seal. When trying to find the best toothpaste, it’s important to start with one that is recommended by the American Dental Association. Their seal of approval can be found on the box and tube and ensures that the toothpaste has been objectively evaluated for safety by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.

Avoid harsh abrasives. Many types of toothpaste, especially those advertised as “whitening” often contain abrasives that could damage young tooth enamel.

Check for fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to dramatically reduce tooth decay.

Consider the flavor. While not a health related issue, you want to make sure that the toothpaste doesn’t taste bad to your child.

Know when to switch. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it’s recommended to switch to adult toothpaste when your child reaches 9 or 10 years old.

At the office of Happy Smiles Dentistry of Westchester, we offer the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care for your family’s needs. We will be happy to recommend the right toothpaste for your child, keeping his or her unique needs and any special considerations, such as sensitivities or weak enamel, in mind. For more information about the services we provide, give us a call today.