I assume most of you who are reading this are parents. Now, has this happened to you before? You buy a really fun toy but your child simply has no interest in it. Or you buy a lovely new outfit but they just refuse to put it on over their heads!!
The same goes for toothbrush and toothpastes. It may sound silly but with that above context, you’d realise that the best type of toothbrush and toothpaste for a child to start off with is the one that they love to use!
I wish there was a universally accepted toothbrush and toothpaste for all children. Toothpastes have flavours that appeal to kids, but not all will like the same types. Some toothbrushes have sub-optimal bristle designs, but sometimes it is the Paw Patrol character that attracts them so much that they will refuse any other toothbrush. That is, until their love for Paw Patrol gets shifted to something else.
My years as a paediatric dentist has taught me that just as every child is unique, there is no one size fits all in recommending dental advice either! Mostly, I am happy to go with what you (parents) and your child enjoy using as long as it is able to keep the teeth and gums in good shape.
Thus, I recommend that every parent who comes to see me bring their child’s existing toothbrush and toothpaste. By taking a look at how it is used during brushing, by assessing how clean and healthy the teeth are at the end of the toothbrushing, I will make the relevant recommendations.
Don’t forget that as your child grows older and dental needs change, the best toothbrush and toothpaste will also change.
The best way to know if what you are using suits your child’s needs is to continue to visit your paediatric dentist regularly. She will know when to advise you to make the necessary switch.
