FLUORIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTE FOR KIDS

Approved and reviewed by Dr. Lee, a dental professional of over 35 years. LEARN MORE

Dr Robert Lee

Dr Robert Lee is a dentist with more than thirty years of experience in the industry.

Graduating from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Business Administration, Robert’s career has taken him all over the world – from Australia to Germany to his current position in Chicago, where he is the founder of Denticus Inc., offering strategic dental consulting.

Robert has previously worked for Procter & Gamble as the Director of Professional Scientific Relations in both the Cincinnati and Sydney offices, being responsible for external relations and scientific exchange with leading professional associations and industry thought leaders. He was also responsible for all technical and scientific training for the professional teams in North America and Australia.

Robert has been assisting the team at Oral-B by fact-checking and reviewing our blogs on dental health. You can find a list of the blogs Robert has approved below:

SEE MORE

• Receding Gums: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
• What are Dental Caries? Treatments, Signs, and Symptoms
• Dental Scaling and Root Planing Explained
• Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
• Types of Gum Disease: Stages, Factors & Related Conditions
• Cavity Treatments: What are Ways to Treat Cavities?
• Tooth Plaque and Dental Tartar
• What is Periodontitis? Treatments, Signs, and Symptoms
• Tooth Decay and Cavities: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): Causes, Remedies, and Treatments

SEE LESS

• WHY IS FLUORIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTE RECOMMENED FOR BABIES?
• WHAT IS THE BEST FLUORIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTE FOR KIDS?
• WHEN TO USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE FOR KIDS

Understanding the difference between fluoride toothpaste and fluoride-free toothpaste can help you find the best kids’ toothpaste for your family.

WHY IS FLUORIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTE RECOMMENED FOR BABIES?

Although fluoride toothpaste better prevents cavities, there is a reason why babies and toddlers may need to brush with a non-fluoride option. The ADA recommends that parents or caregivers clean children’s teeth with water and to consult your child’s dental professional before introducing fluoride toothpaste to kids less than two years old.

Although fluoride-free toothpastes clean baby teeth and tender gums, they do not have cavity-fighting benefits of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a key element in helping to prevent cavities, however, there may be risks associated with swallowing too much fluoride. Children under the age of two need a parent’s assistance with brushing teeth, especially to prevent ingesting toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste, when ingested in large quantities, can be dangerous and result in fluoride poisoning. Some symptoms of this can be abdominal pain, drooling, headache, shallow breathing, weakness, and tremors. Make sure to contact a health professional immediately if your child ingests toothpaste containing fluoride.

That’s why fluoride-free toothpastes are an excellent option for babies – you don’t have to worry about them swallowing fluoride and can rest assured that your child will be safe with a non-fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride-free toothpastes are great for training since it’s ok if kids accidentally swallow it as they learn how to spit their toothpaste out properly.

WHAT IS THE BEST FLUORIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTE FOR KIDS?

A good non-fluoride toothpaste for babies and toddlers should be formulated with a mild flavor that kids enjoy, nothing too harsh or assertive. Crest Baby Training Toothpaste is strawberry flavored that’s also free sodium lauryl sulfate, sweeteners, and dyes.

WHEN TO USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE FOR KIDS

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing kids’ teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste at age 3. Look for ADA-approved formulas that help fight cavities and tooth decay like Crest Kids Advanced Color Changing Toothpaste. Of course, every child is different. Consult your child's dentist to discuss the exact timing when your child should start using fluoride toothpaste.

Oral Care Favorites for Kids

Advanced Cavity Protection Kids Bundle

Crest Baby Training Toothpaste and Toothbrush Kit, Disney Winnie the Pooh, Mild Strawberry Gel

Color Changing Electric Toothbrush Bundle

Disney Princess Moana Kids Electric Toothbrush Bundle

Sources:

• https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)60226-9/fulltext#:~:text=The%20ADA%20currently%20advises%20caregivers,to%206%20years%20of%20age
• https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/poison/fluoride-overdose
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6195894/