As a paediatric dentist, every day parents ask me, "Which toothpaste should we be using for our child?"
The dental aisles are full of bright colours, characters, and conflicting age labels. The good news is that Dr. Abigail Moore is here to cut through the confusion and give you the two essential criteria that guarantee you are choosing a toothpaste that actually protects your child’s teeth from decay.
1. The Magic Number: Fluoride Content (1,450 ppm)
When you are choosing toothpaste for kids aged 2 years and up, forget the brand, the flavour, and the age group listed on the tube. The most important factor is the fluoride content.
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The Rule: The fluoride content of the toothpaste needs to be 1,450 parts per million (ppm). This concentration is necessary to be effective enough to prevent cavities.
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The Check: You simply need to turn the box over and look at the ingredients list. Make sure you see that magic number: 1,450 ppm. If that number is there, the toothpaste has enough fluoride to protect the teeth.
Why is 1,450 ppm necessary?
That specific amount of fluoride needs to be applied to the teeth twice a day (morning and evening) in order to have a cavity-reducing effect.
2. The Rinse Rule: Leave It On for a Lasting Effect
The second most important thing is ensuring the fluoride stays where it needs to be: on the teeth!
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Brush & Spit: Once brushing is complete, have your child spit out the excess toothpaste.
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DO NOT RINSE with water afterward!
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The Effect: Leaving the residual toothpaste on the teeth works exactly like a "leave-in conditioner". This crucial step allows the fluoride to continue strengthening the enamel, providing a lasting anti-cavity effect.
The Key to Success: Taste
The biggest obstacle to the "Rinse Rule" is the taste. If the toothpaste is too spicy or minty, kids will want to rinse out with water. That's why the second most important thing is finding a taste they like, so they can comfortably leave the residue on their teeth for the lasting effect.
If you have any further questions about fluoride, brushing, or selecting products, please do get in touch with the Happy Teeth team!