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.

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. See similar questions...

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). See similar questions...

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 See similar questions...

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! See similar questions...

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 . See similar questions...

Yes. Fluoride has been proven to reduce dental decay by at least 40%, so all children should be encouraged to use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride may be in your drinking water, so check with your dentist first. Research has shown that children living in a non-fluoridated area have more dental decay than those living in areas with fluoride in the drinking water. It is important to use only a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children, as they are likely to swallow some of it. See similar questions...

There are toothpastes which claim to remove staining. They sometimes contain bicarbonate of soda which will help to remove any staining and dental plaque. These are often referred to as whitening toothpastes. It is important to realise that such toothpastes will only remove staining and will not change the natural colour of your teeth. If you feel you need something stronger to whiten your teeth, then speak to your dentist about how this could be done. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

Fluoride comes from a number of different sources including toothpaste, specific fluoride applications and perhaps the drinking water in your area. These can all help to prevent tooth decay. If you are unsure about using fluoride toothpaste ask your dentist, health visitor or Primary Care Trust. You can get low-fluoride toothpastes, and the general rule is to use a small smear of toothpaste up to 5 years; from 5 to 7 use slightly less than a pea size and a normal pea size from 7 upwards. See similar questions...

well as regular family toothpastes, there are many specialist toothpastes. These include tartar control for people who are prone to tartar build-up, and ones for people with sensitive teeth. Total care toothpastes include ingredients to help fight gum disease, freshen breath and help reduce plaque build-up. Whitening toothpastes are good at removing staining, but are not strong enough to change the natural shade of the teeth. See similar questions...