What is the best toothpaste for your child?

Dr. Yury Slepak, a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with the Brooklyn Pediatric Dentistry, has a number of recommendations for choosing the correct toothpaste for your child. Prior to the age of two, you should choose a toothpaste that is fluoride-free and use a very soft brush or washcloth to clean your child’s teeth and gums. Colgate:registered: makes a fluoride-free toothpaste for infants called My First Colgate:registered:.


There is a risk of dental fluorosis before the age of eight. Dental fluorosis is the hypomineralization of your child’s teeth through the consumption of too much fluoride during the formation of the enamel. Dental fluorosis causes a mottled stain on the teeth and is very common; however, Dr. Slepak recommends parents use an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste between the ages of two and four. As long as the toothpaste is approved by the ADA, the risk of dental fluorosis is very slim and fluoride is important for the healthy development of teeth and cavity prevention. After the age of eight, the risk of dental fluorosis is almost non-existent.


So what are the best toothpastes for your child after the age of two?


• Tom’s of Maine, Natural Anti-Cavity Toothpaste for Children –provides a natural defense against bacteria and acid. It doesn’t contain added sugar and is sweetened with fruit juice.


• Crest:registered: Pro-Health Stages:registered: –provides adequate cavity protection with Disney characters on the tube to encourage young children to brush.


• Colgate Children’s 2-in-1 – approved by the ADA, provides both cavity protection and mouthwash.