ไทย
Choosing a children’s toothpaste is something parents should pay attention to from the moment the first baby tooth appears, because toothpaste with the right amount of fluoride can help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. However, children of each age should use toothpaste in an appropriate amount and strength so that they benefit from fluoride safely.
Why Should Children’s Toothpaste Contain Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, promotes remineralisation of the tooth surface and helps reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Children can start using fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first baby tooth appears. Parents should squeeze out the toothpaste and help with brushing, to control the amount and reduce unnecessary swallowing of toothpaste.
How to Choose Children’s Toothpaste by Age
Children of different ages vary in their ability to spit out toothpaste and look after their mouths, so the fluoride strength and amount should be chosen accordingly.
| Age | Recommended fluoride | Amount of toothpaste |
|---|---|---|
| First tooth – under 3 years | 1,000 ppm | A thin smear or a grain of rice |
| 3-6 years | 1,000 ppm | About the size of a corn kernel |
| Over 6 years | 1,400-1,500 ppm | About the length of a child’s toothbrush head |
Based on Thai guidelines from the Department of Medical Services and recommendations of the Thai Association of Pediatric Dentistry. Children at high risk of tooth decay may be advised to use a fluoride strength different from the table.
1. Newborns to 3 years
You should start brushing as soon as the first baby tooth appears, using a small soft-bristled toothbrush and 1,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste in just a tiny amount, about the size of a grain of rice.
Parents should brush the child’s teeth and wipe away excess toothpaste foam to reduce swallowing.
2. Children aged 3-6 years
You can use 1,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste in an amount about the size of a corn kernel. Parents should help squeeze out the toothpaste and supervise brushing, while training the child to spit out the toothpaste foam.
For children at high risk of tooth decay, the dentist may consider recommending toothpaste with 1,400-1,500 ppm fluoride as appropriate.
3. Children over 6 years
Children at this age can use toothpaste with about 1,400-1,500 ppm fluoride, squeezing out a strip the length of the head of a child’s toothbrush, in line with Thai guidelines.
Even though children can start brushing by themselves, parents should still check how clean the teeth are and make sure the child brushes correctly.
Is Fluoride in Children’s Toothpaste Safe?
Fluoride is safe and helps prevent cavities when used at a strength and amount appropriate for the child’s age.
However, continuously receiving too much fluoride while the teeth are developing may increase the risk of dental fluorosis, which causes white marks or other changes in the enamel, depending on severity.
Parents should therefore squeeze out the toothpaste for their child every time, not let children squeeze out large amounts themselves, and keep toothpaste tubes out of reach of young children.
How to Use Fluoride Toothpaste Effectively
Besides choosing toothpaste suited to your child’s age, you should make sure brushing is done correctly, as follows:
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Brush twice a day, especially before bed
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Use an appropriate amount of toothpaste. For young children there is no need to cover the whole brush
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Help your child brush thoroughly, on the front, inner and chewing surfaces
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Train your child to spit out the toothpaste foam without swallowing, and avoid rinsing repeatedly with water afterwards
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See a dentist regularly to assess the risk of tooth decay and receive further advice about fluoride
Do You Need to Choose a Fluoride-Free Children’s Toothpaste?
In general, there is no need to choose fluoride-free toothpaste, because there is evidence supporting the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste in preventing tooth decay.
What matters is choosing a strength suited to your child’s age, controlling the amount of toothpaste, and making sure your child does not swallow too much. If you have concerns, consult a paediatric dentist before choosing a product.
Caring for Your Child’s Teeth from the First Tooth with TDH Dental
Caring for oral health from childhood is an important foundation for strong teeth in the future, especially brushing correctly and using fluoride appropriately.
At TDH Dental, parents can bring their children for a dental check-up with our experienced team of dentists, and receive advice on choosing toothpaste, brushing and preventing tooth decay at each age, including fluoride varnish application where indicated for each individual.
Because strong teeth in the future begin with proper care from the very first tooth.
