If you happen to check the toothpaste aisle during grocery shopping you will notice there is a separate range of tooth pastes for children and a separate range for adults. This is mostly because children under 2 years of age are advised to brush with tooth paste that is fluoride free. This is because they have not yet mastered the ability to spit and rinse and carry the risk of ingesting too much fluoride upon swallowing. This can be very harmful in large doses as it can cause fluoride toxicity and a severe fluoride reaction in those who are allergic. Although fluoride is extremely beneficial for teeth and is an important ingredient in tooth paste formulations it is recommended in tooth pastes for children over 2 years of age.
Children’s tooth paste also comes in many different yummy flavors this is to encourage and motivate them in the early years to develop a good brushing routine.
The American Dental Association (ADA) advises caregivers to brush with water, and to consult with a dentist or physician before using fluoride toothpaste, for children younger than 2 years. It is recommended to use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste in children from 2 to 6 years of age.
Whereas there are other recommendations which propose using a “smear” of fluoride toothpaste (approximately 0.1 gram of toothpaste or 0.1 milligram of fluoride) for children younger than 2 years and a pea-sized amount (approximately 0.25 g toothpaste or 0.25 mg fluoride) for children from 2 to 6 years of age.
The optimal dose of fluoride is 0.05 mg per kilogram per day.
While there isn’t a specific age or strict deadline to switch, many children are ready to switch to adult toothpaste around age six. Discuss with your pediatric dentist for suggestions related specifically to your child, as they may be able to advise a time to switch or provide helpful tips. Regardless of age, all children should be brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. This prevents tooth decay and keeps the oral cavity healthy.
It is also stressed that your child is seeing their dentist regularly at least every six months to monitor growth, development, and overall oral health. Introducing a child to a dentist early will also familiarize them with the dentist at an early age rather than visiting at the time of a tooth ache. This will eliminate any association of fear of the dental visit and make the experience smoother in the future.
SprinJene Natural Toothpaste Range for Kids
If you want your kids to brush without a fuss and also keep cavities away, the toothpaste better taste awesome. Kids show off their biggest smiles when they try our delicious flavored toothpastes!
There are three yummy flavors to choose from:
- Vanilla (fluoride free)
- Watermelon
- Apple mint
With SprinJene natural toothpaste, children can start and end each day with a burst of fresh flavors, while the fluoride provides an extra helping of cavity protection and keeps tooth enamel strong! Plus, SprinJene’s ingredients and certifications are basically a lesson in what to look for in a natural and ethically produced, healthy toothpaste.
All SprinJene natural toothpastes are certified Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Kosher, Halal, and USDA Bio Preferred! No harmful ingredients are included, no animals suffer, and no religions or cultures are excluded from using our healthy toothpaste!
Patented Zinc and Black Seed Oil Formula!
SprinJene Natural Toothpastes with Cavity Protection for children features a patented formula with zinc and black seed oil, along with “good for you” ingredients like coconut oil, birch tree xylitol, and acacia gum. This patented watermelon toothpaste formula can help to:
- Provide relief from dry mouth.
- Control the growth of tartar.
- Deliver long-lasting oral freshness.
- Fight gingivitis (gum disease).
- Reduce gum inflammation.
Free From:
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).SLS is a chemical surfactant irritant to some people and used to reduce surface tension between ingredients and thicken certain food products.
- Artificial preservatives and dyes.Unnatural chemicals used to make products last longer and look a certain color have been linked to multiple health issues, especially in children.
- Saccharin is an artificial sweetener with a bitter aftertaste and no nutritional benefit.
- Animal byproducts.No substances that come from animals are found in any SprinJene natural toothpaste or used in manufacturing.
References
- American Dental Association Healthy Habits. www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits(Accessed Jan. 8, 2014.)
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reference manual 2011-2012. Pediatr Dent. 2011; 33: 1-349
- U.S. Institute of Medicine Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Fluoride. National Academies Press, Washington1997
- Zohoori FV Duckworth RM Omid N O'Hare WT Maguire Fluoridated toothpaste: usage and ingestion of fluoride by 4- to 6-yr-old children in England. Eur J Oral Sci. 2012; 120: 415-421
