There are a lot of products to choose from, and much of the decision depends on individual preference. A fluoride toothpaste is essential for optimal oral health. Beyond that, your dental hygienist and dentist can alert you to any other features that make one product more suitable than another for you as an individual.

Generally speaking, Dr. Malouf recommends any ADA approved soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Anything other than a soft toothbrush will prematurely wear away your teeth. Dr. Malouf may make more specific recommendations for you after your examination.

Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Allowing your child to use a small amount of toothpaste to provide fluoride for the teeth is good. When it's the parent's turn to brush, however, experience has shown us that you can brush more easily and more effectively using a wet brush only. This allows you to see the gum line better and identify any areas that might need more attention (areas that bleed).

Most children under the age five of will swallow some amount of toothpaste. Because of this, we recommend that your child us a non-fluoride toothpaste until age two or three. Once they switch to a fluoride toothpaste, we recommend that the parent place a one half of a pea-sized amount on their brush. » Return to Top

It's probably best not to use a whitening toothpaste until after your braces come off. If you use a whitening toothpaste on a daily basis, the teeth underneath the brackets may not be as white as the rest of your teeth when your braces come off!

Parents should always supervise toothpaste use and should begin using fluoridated toothpaste beginning around age 2-3 years. A pea-sized amount should be placed on a soft bristle toothbrush sized for the child. Parents should brush their child’s teeth at least once a day and the teeth should be brushed after every time the child eats. The excess toothpaste should be rinsed after brushing and should never be swallowed.

No, this product will work more effectively if you do not use toothpaste or mouthwash. Both toothpaste and mouthwash have warning labels on them due to the potentially harmful ingredients in them. Check out our free report .