10 Jan Let’s talk toothpaste with Dr. Krista Kunz of Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC

Fun fact: people have been using material to clean their teeth since 500 B.C. It started with crushed burnt hooves and egg shells. Thankfully, things have improved since then, and we now have a wide assortment of toothpastes to choose from.

Ingredients in “natural” and “conventional” toothpastes are very similar. The choice comes down to your kids’ taste preference and your preference with how they’re flavored and dyed. For this post we did a super scientific Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry experiment (just kidding, we just went to the Target at the Shoppes at Seaside Farms and looked at the labels. Ha!) and compared Colgate’s Strawberry Smash Toothpaste, and Tom’s of Maine Silly Strawberry.

To start with, for the happiest smiles and happiest kid dentist in Charleston County, make sure there’s fluoride in your toothpaste. In fact, among the many shared ingredients between the two toothpastes we compared, the most important is fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent painful cavities and decay and strengthens your kids’ teeth. Most kids who have fluoride in their drinking water and use a toothpaste that contains fluoride are getting a sufficient amount to prevent issues. You can see if it’s in your drinking water here:

https://nccd.cdc.gov/DOH_MWF/Default/Default.aspx

In the past, some have said that fluoride toothpaste should only be used for kids old enough to know how to spit into the sink. However, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry, and Dr. Krista Kunz recommend fluoride toothpaste be used from the start. The amount they recommend using varies depending on age. A tiny amount, the size of a grain of rice, should be used for kiddos three and under. This amount is safe if ingested. However, you should encourage your child to lean forward so that their spit and toothpaste fall out of their mouth. Once they get to the ages of three to six, they can have a pea sized amount of toothpaste. After six years of age, most children are able to consistently spit and don’t end up ingesting as much toothpaste.

If your kids have a sensitive mouth or you notice that they’re resistant to brushing their teeth, try switching things up. Some toothpastes could feel too abrasive or contain a detergent that is too harsh for them. It could also be that they prefer one flavor over another. Take a trip to the store together the next time you’re ready to re-stock! Giving your kiddos a say in their toothpaste decision can be empowering and make them more willing to keep their twice daily tooth brushing schedule.

At Magnolia Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Krista Kunz recommends looking for the ADA seal and choosing whatever flavor you like best! She’s still searching for the “perfect” toothpaste herself.

What are your favorite toothpastes for adults and kids?