Good oral hygiene is essential, and we all know that toothpaste plays a big part in this, but specifically, there are so many options available that it can be challenging for parents to make the right choice of toothpaste for their kids. How safe is adult toothpaste for children? Read on in the article below for more information on whether or not kids can use adult toothpaste.
Table of Contents
A Comparison Between Children & Adult Toothpaste
To decide whether kids can use adult toothpaste, first, we will compare key differences in toothpaste for each age group, and we will see the effect of certain types of toothpaste on children’s dental and overall oral health.
Fluoride Content: A Key Difference
The main contrasting aspect between children’s and adult toothpaste is the fluoride content. Although fluoride is good for preventing cavities, too much fluoride causes fluorosis or white spots on the teeth. Fluoride is too harsh for a baby or young child’s developing teeth. Hence, the fluoride in children’s toothpaste is usually of a lower concentration than the toothpaste that is made for adults.
Abrasiveness: Gentle vs. Strong
A toothpaste for adults usually has more abrasive ingredients so that it can help with removal of stains and plaque. Although suitable for adults, it’s too strong for children’s teeth, which are softer and can get damaged more easily. Adult toothpaste used on children can cause unnecessary wear on their teeth.
Differences In Flavors Of Toothpastes
Children’s toothpaste is milder in flavor and fruity, encouraging regular brushing habits. On the contrary, adult toothpastes usually contain more minty qualities and a stronger taste that kids might find less palatable.
Risk Of Swallowing
Because young children are more likely to swallow toothpaste when brushing, it is recommended to opt for a specially formulated toothpaste. The fluoride and other ingredients in adult toothpaste are higher in concentration and could be harmful if ingested too much.
Making The Transition To Adult Toothpaste
According to most dentists, kids should start using adult toothpaste around age six when they can reliably spit the toothpaste out. However, this varies depending upon the child’s development and dental health needs. Your child’s dentist will advise you on whether switching is advisable.
How Much Toothpaste Should Children Use?
Here’s a guide on how much toothpaste children should use based on their age group:
Infants (0-2 years)
- Amount: Fluoride toothpaste smeared or rice sized amount (about the size of a grain of rice).
- Recommendation: Brush the first tooth when it appears with a soft bristled toothbrush.
Toddlers (2-5 years)
- Amount: 1 pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Recommendation: Brush with children until they are about 8, supervise to make sure they do not swallow toothpaste, and try to get them to spit it out when you’re done.
Children (6 years and older)
- Amount: A little more than a pea’s worth of fluoride toothpaste.
- Recommendation: The old adage is to use the same amount of toothpaste that adults use, since children are now better at spitting out that paste to avoid swallowing too much.
Pronamel Toothpaste For Kids: A Gentler Option
Because of its gentle formula, Pronamel toothpaste is an excellent choice for children. Pronamel is good at protecting children’s enamel from cavities and erosion. As far as toothpaste formulas go, it is less abrasive than a lot of adult options, and is perfect for children aged 6-12. It features an effective formula that is safe for everyday use and helps keep children’s teeth healthy and strong.
Useful Tips For Parents
- Supervision: Young children should always be supervised while brushing their teeth to be sure they are using the correct amount of toothpaste and learning good brushing techniques.
- Encouragement: Tell kids not to swallow toothpaste and to rinse and spit after brushing.
Final Verdict
To put it all together, in most cases, children should use toothpaste specially formulated for kids until they are 6 years old.
The reason behind this is that children’s toothpastes often are formulated to be milder (lower fluoride level) for delicate teeth and gums. This can be good for several reasons, such as reducing the chance of fluorosis and being mild to its name, which is still in the starting phase.
For kids aged 6 years and above, the use of toothpastes like Pronamel can be a great choice. Pronamel Children’s Toothpaste for kids aged 6-12 provides healthy teeth and gums using a gentle yet effective formula.
Finally, it is good to consult a dentist when you want to change your child’s toothpaste in order to keep their teeth healthy and get aspects that might affect their oral health. Some of the reasons this can help parents is to make sure their children are getting the care that they need in order to support their dental health and help prevent issues becoming too serious.
