Choosing Toothpaste and Brushing Primary Teeth

With so many children’s oral care products available, selecting the right toothbrush and toothpaste can feel overwhelming. Choosing appropriately sized brushes and nourishing, ADA-approved toothpaste is essential for maintaining excellent oral health.

Request an Appointment

Why Brush Primary Teeth?

Primary (baby) teeth are vital for:

  • Speech production
  • Proper chewing
  • Jaw development
  • Proper alignment and spacing of permanent teeth

Brushing primary teeth also helps prevent bad breath, tooth decay, and removes plaque bacteria that can contribute to childhood periodontal disease.

Differences Among Toothpaste Brands

Most toothpastes contain:

  • Abrasive ingredients to remove stains
  • Soapy ingredients to eliminate plaque
  • Fluoride to strengthen enamel
  • Flavorings to improve taste

Key differences include:

  • Paste thickness
  • Fluoride content
  • Type of flavoring

Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, particularly in children aged 1–4. Adult or non-ADA-approved toothpastes may contain harsher abrasives or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can damage enamel or cause mouth ulcers.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste by Age

Before the first tooth emerges: Gently wipe gums with a cool, clean cloth after feeding to remove food particles and bacteria.

Under 2 years old: Use fluoride-free “baby” toothpaste and brush softly twice per day. Flavoring is optional and can be chosen by the child.

Ages 2–3 years: Begin using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Use only a pea- or rice-sized amount and encourage the child to spit out excess after brushing. Practice, patience, and encouragement help children gradually learn to rinse out toothpaste.

Over 8 years old: Fluoride ingestion is generally safe, but ADA-approved toothpaste is still recommended.

If you have questions about selecting the appropriate toothpaste for your child, your pediatric dentist can provide personalized recommendations.