Choosing the right toothpaste for children is a key part of looking after their oral health. However, with the wide range of products available on the market, the choice can be overwhelming. What are the most important criteria to look out for? Here's a guide to help you make the best decision.

Toothpaste for children - first of all, its composition

This is most important! Always choose toothpastes containing fluoride. This helps to strengthen the enamel and prevents tooth decay. Children are much more susceptible to it than adults because milk teeth are much less mineralised.

And if you want to learn more about this topic we recommend you our text "Caries of deciduous teeth - when to treat and when to extract the tooth".

For children up to 6 years of age, we recommend the pastes with a lower fluoride content (500-1000 ppm), while older children can use pastes with a standard fluoride content (1450 ppm).

When choosing toothpaste for children, also look out for natural ingredients. Avoid products with artificial colours and preservatives, as well as those containing SLS - sodium lauryl sulfate. This is an ingredient that can irritate children's delicate gums. SLS-free toothpastes are gentler and recommended especially for children with sensitive mouths.

Taste matters

Children are often reluctant to brush their teeth, so choosing a toothpaste with a pleasant flavour can encourage them to brush regularly. Children's toothpastes are available in a variety of flavours, from the classic mint to fruit to bubble gum. However, be sure not to choose a toothpaste with an overly intense flavour that could discourage your little one.

Ideally, you should give your child choice. From the pastes you have tested, let him choose his favourite.

And if your little one forgets about oral hygiene or does it reluctantly, we recommend you read our text in which you learn about "10 ways to encourage your child to brush their teeth".

Safe toothpaste for children

All in all, this is where we should start. Younger children in particular tend to swallow paste. It is therefore important that the paste is safe to swallow. 

Look for pastes labelled 'safe to swallow' and make sure they contain a minimum amount of fluoride to avoid the risk of fluorosis.

A number of myths have arisen in recent times on the harmfulness of fluoride and its consequences for health. To clear up any confusion we have written an article "Does fluoride in toothpaste harm".

Going back - look for toothpastes that have certificates of safety and efficacy, such as recommendations from the Polish Dental Society or other recognised dental organisations. These types of labels show that the paste has undergone rigorous testing and is safe for children.

Toothpaste for children is not enough!

Even the best toothpaste won't do anything without regular use. Remember also to have a proper diet and regular visits to the dentist. The first should take place when the first tooth appears.

We wrote about what such a visit looks like in the text "Your child's first visit to the dentist in the UK" 

Why regular visits at an early age Are they so important? Healthy toddler teeth mean healthy teeth in the future. During regular visits, the dentist will immediately notice even the smallest changes in the mouth and begin treatment. This means less time, less cost and, most importantly, minimal pain and stress for the child.

That's not all! During visits, treatments can be carried out to protect your little one's teeth from decay. These include sealing, fluoridation or varnishing. We wrote more about this in the material "Preventive treatments for your child - or how to keep your little one's teeth healthy".

At any time during such a visit you can also consult the selection of toothpaste for children. A specialist will help you choose the right toothpaste, taking into account your child's individual needs, such as tooth sensitivity or susceptibility to decay.

And if you are worried about the cost we have good information. By choosing our practice you can take advantage of the instalment system. Importantly, the first 12 months are zero interest. You can read more about the instalment system in a text with a similar title "Instalment scheme for dental treatment in the UK". And if you would like to book your little one an appointment -. write to us.