Toothpastes for Kids

Brushing the teeth every day is the main rule of health care and general oral hygiene. And this rule is mandatory for everyone, even for babies with only two milk teeth. This means that a small family member will also need a toothbrush and one of the special toothpastes for kids. These products differ from the ones for adults not only in bright packaging but also in composition. The formulas usually contain identical components, but their concentration is different.

Features of toothpastes for kids

Until the child reaches the age of 14, it is not recommended for him/her to use adult or family hygienic product because the concentration of active substances in it can harm the health of an immature organism. Therefore, age is the first criterion when choosing a dental hygiene product. 

Toothpastes for kids are classified by the age of children for which the products are designed:

• From birth to 2 years – these formulas contain natural ingredients, are not dangerous if swallowed, do not damage the enamel.
• From 2 to 4 years – contain active ingredients to protect the enamel, remove plaque.
• At the age of 4 to 8, milk teeth are gradually changed to adult ones. Therefore, the requirements for protection are increased. Thus, hygiene products should prevent caries by protecting and strengthening teeth.
• From 8 to 14 years – such products are as close as possible to adult counterparts, but the concentration of fluorine particles is not more than 1400 ppm, and the abrasiveness index does not exceed 50 units.

So, when deciding on which item to choose, first, consider the child's age.

How to choose the right composition

But the main criterion when choosing toothpastes for kids is the composition. Here are several points that must be considered:

• The type and amount of abrasive substances. Calcium carbonate (chalk) and sodium bicarbonate (soda) as abrasives are too aggressive for the enamel of milk or newly erupted permanent teeth. It is better to pick the paste in which titanium dioxide or silicon dioxide is used as an abrasive. The abrasiveness coefficient (RDA) should not exceed a specific value (0-3 years – no more than 20, 3-14 years – no more than 50).
• Foaming components. If sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate is present in the composition, it can dry mucous membranes or cause an allergic reaction. It is preferable to refuse them.
• Antibacterial elements. Small children should not use products with triclosan or chlorhexidine in the composition since they eliminate not only microbes, but also beneficial microflora. For certain diseases, the dentist may prescribe a formula with chlorhexidine, triclosan, or metronidazole. But you should not start using medications at your discretion.
• Flavours and other additives. It is necessary to pay attention to thickeners – they must be of natural origin (pectins, resins, agar-agar). The number of preservatives should also be small. Children are more willing to use tasty toothpastes for kids, but it is better to choose a product that uses natural substances as flavouring additives (mint, eucalyptus, vanilla) and does not contain saccharin.

This list should help you choose the most suitable product. You can buy toothpastes for kids at a reasonable price at makeup.uk.