How to Choose the Best Kids’ Toothpaste and Toothbrush
Trying to choose a toothpaste for your child? Buying a new toothbrush or tube of toothpaste for your child can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options! It’s no secret that toothpaste and toothbrush companies actively market packaging, flavors, and features to encourage parents and children in making their selection. As a result, assessing the many brands claiming to be the “best” can be intimidating.
To make things harder, we all know how opinionated our littles can be. Sometimes it can be tricky to find the healthiest options that still leave them smiling. Never fear: it’s easier than you think to find a quality toothpaste (and a toothbrush) for your kids.
So how should you choose a toothpaste for your child?
What Makes a Toothpaste “Good”?
Although all brands are not the same, many carry the same ingredients to remove stains, eliminate plaque and strengthen tooth enamel. But which ones are best?
Toothpaste Varieties – The Differences Kids Will Notice
The key, and most obvious, differences between brands are:
- The consistency of the paste
- The toothpaste’s taste
- The level of fluoride content in the toothpaste (printed on product packaging)
Toothpaste Varieties – The Differences Parents Will Notice
Despite the many options available, we have one easy piece of advice for you that will simplify your selection process. Always choose a toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance on it.
By following this simple rule, you can rest assured the toothpaste you are choosing is a safe and effective choice for your child.
The same rule applies to choosing a toothbrush. Simply look for toothbrushes that have the ADA seal of acceptance and choose from within that group.
How Does the ADA Evaluate Toothpaste and Toothbrushes?
The ADA seal is your assurance that your child’s toothbrush or toothpaste has been objectively evaluated for safety and efficacy by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.
Requirements For a Toothbrush to Earn ADA Acceptance
According to the ADA, “a toothbrush earns the ADA Seal for toothbrushes when the manufacturer provides scientific evidence demonstrating safety and efficacy in the removal of plaque and reduction of gingivitis. Toothbrushes with the ADA Seal have had data reviewed by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs and have met the recommendations for both manual and powered toothbrushes.”
To qualify for the Seal of Acceptance, the manufacturer of a manual toothbrush must provide evidence that:
- All toothbrush components are safe for use in the mouth
- Bristles are free of sharp or jagged edges and endpoints
- Handle material demonstrates durability under normal use
- Bristles won’t fall out with normal use.
- The toothbrush can be used without supervision by the average adult to provide a significant decrease in mild gum disease and plaque
Requirements For a Toothpaste to Earn ADA Acceptance
The ADA recommends that children use a smear of toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) from the time the first tooth erupts until age 3 years. After that point, from 3 years to 6 years, children should use a pea-sized amount of paste.
- All toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance must contain fluoride.
- In addition to fluoride, toothpastes may contain other ingredients that improve oral health such as lessening tooth sensitivity, reducing gingivitis or tartar build-up, or preventing enamel erosion; or that cosmetically affect the mouth such as whitening teeth or improving bad breath.
- Flavoring agents that cause or contribute to tooth decay (e.g., sugar) may not be contained in any ADA-Accepted toothpaste.
- A product earns the ADA Seal of Acceptance by submitting data and publications to the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs to use in making a determination of whether the product meets the prespecified requirements for safety and efficacy.
In addition to the appropriate amount of toothpaste to be used, the ADA recommends that caregivers supervise children during brushing to ensure that the children spit rather than swallow the paste.
Where to Find ADA-Accepted Products
Most retail stores have a plethora of ADA-accepted products with the seal of approval proudly stamped on the front of the packaging. But if you’d like to do some research ahead of time, you can easily browse these ADA-approved products online. The ADA has a shopping guide to help you when choosing toothpaste, toothbrushes, and even mouth rinses. Here’s a current list of the ADA’s accepted dental hygiene products. For more information, visit our pediatric dental FAQ page!
Schedule an Appointment
For optimal dental health and overall wellness, plan on bringing your child to see their pediatric dentist every six months for routine cleanings and preventive care. We’re always welcoming new patients at Pediatric Smiles of Northland KC! Schedule an appointment today.
