s/o toothpaste

Chunstad · February 2013

I'm still not using any! I feel bad, am I in the minority? I was told not to use any until they can spit.

LCass · February 2013

We're not using any, either. And I've been told by a couple of dentists that really if you do a good job of brushing nobody *needs* toothpaste. Brushing with water is supposed to do enough, but most people don't do a good enough job and the toothpaste can certainly help.

Stewartandmaura · February 2013

I was using the baby toothpaste which is really just flavored gel to entice them to let you brush.

Chunstad · February 2013

canadiansciencegeek:
Stewartandmaura:
I was using the baby toothpaste which is really just flavored gel to entice them to let you brush.
This. The toothpaste we're using is harmless if swallowed, but DD likes the taste so is more into brushing.

Maybe I should try this. We were doing an awesome job, but C has two molars, a lower anterior tooth, and who knows what else that are refusing to come in. He doesn't want me in his mouth now-adays, so I'm not getting the job done very well.

aliciaroset · February 2013

we were explicitly told by a dentist to use fluoride toothpaste. E is part of a NIH dental study and the dentist said she was fine to start using fluoride now, recommending a bb sized amount. We put a tiny bit on her brush and let her try to brush and then do a little more on the finger brush and follow up if we can't get in there well with the brush. I ask her to open up and she's pretty compliant, though she seems to think it's all about brushing her tongue, not her teeth.

blu-eyedwife · February 2013

We're also still not using toothpaste. I don't really like the idea of the baby toothpaste and he's too young for the regular stuff. So we're sticking with water for now.

LCass · February 2013

From the Canadian Dental Association:

Should I be using fluoridated toothpaste with my child?

For children from birth to 3 years of age, the use of fluoridated toothpaste is determined by the level of risk of tooth decay. Parents should consult a health professional to determine whether their child up to 3 years of age is at risk of developing tooth decay. If such a risk exists, the child?s teeth should be brushed by an adult using a minimal amount (a portion the size of a grain of rice) of fluoridated toothpaste. Use of fluoridated toothpaste in a small amount has been determined to achieve a balance between the benefits of fluoride and the risk of developing fluorosis. If the child is not considered to be at risk, the teeth should be brushed by an adult using a toothbrush moistened only with water.

For children from 3 to 6 years of age, only a small amount (a portion the size of a green pea) of fluoridated toothpaste should be used. Children in this age group should be assisted by an adult in brushing their teeth.

But if the toothpaste you're using is safe to be swallowed and doesn't have fluoride, then it's probably okay if you need it to entice your kid to brush. All of this info also assumes that there's fluoride in your tap water (since there is for most of Canada).

wilsontl19191 · February 2013

It's the only way P will brush his teeth! We use aqua fresh training toothpaste. It's fluoridefree and safe to swallow.

stace13 · February 2013

We currently use something without fluoride just for the taste. Our dentist recommended starting a small amount of fluoride toothpaste at 18 months. He gave us a very small tube and said it should last 2 years.

I tell people to wait until the child can spit it out. I'm clearly conflicted!

Fianschneid · February 2013

Pedi told us just water for now. Of course, it doesn't matter, since DD just grabs the toothbrush and sucks on it. I seriously can't brush anything these days.

Elsa1984 · February 2013

We are using beginner toothpaste without fluoride. Gator would brush her teeth all day if we woul let her.

hunnybunny614 · February 2013

blu-eyedwife:
We're also still not using toothpaste. I don't really like the idea of the baby toothpaste and he's too young for the regular stuff. So we're sticking with water for now.

This.

cantalopes24 · February 2013

We're not using it. I'm not wasting money on something I don't need.

FabulousMrs.P · February 2013

DD only have 5 teeth, but we have been using the baby toothpaste that doesn't have fluoride in it.

jeannkerricotober09 · February 2013

We use water. Our pedi said no toothpaste until 2, at least. This study on fluoride, and the negative effects on children, just came out of Harvard last week.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/fluoride_b_2479833.html

babes12 · February 2013

Stewartandmaura:
I was using the baby toothpaste which is really just flavored gel to entice them to let you brush.

This and we just started like 2wks ago. It's crazy how super crazy excited she gets to brush her teeth. problem is getting the toothbrush away from her. Indifferent

Chunstad · February 2013

jeannkerricotober09:
We use water. Our pedi said no toothpaste until 2, at least. This study on fluoride, and the negative effects on children, just came out of Harvard last week.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/fluoride_b_2479833.html

Nice, jeannkerri, thanks for posting this.

aliciaroset · February 2013

Chunstad:
jeannkerricotober09:
We use water. Our pedi said no toothpaste until 2, at least. This study on fluoride, and the negative effects on children, just came out of Harvard last week.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/fluoride_b_2479833.html

Nice, jeannkerri, thanks for posting this.

This metanalysis largely includes children from China, where the fluoride levels in water far exceed those in US water. The main source is NOT toothpaste. If you're concerned about this check your local water supply. It has to be regularly tested.

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