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.

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...

Studies show that water fluoridation provides benefits above and beyond those from other fluoride vehicles alone (for example, toothpaste or tablets). Conversely, fluoride toothpastes provide additional benefits beyond water fluoridation. Water fluoridation is not a replacement for tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, as brushing helps to remove the bacteria (found in plaque) and keeps gums healthy. See similar questions...

Absolutely. It was once believed that dietary fluoride (fluoride taken into the body through food and water) was more effective than topical fluoride (fluoride applied to the teeth with toothpaste, mouth rinses or in-office fluoride treatments). Both sources of fluoride are equally influential in preventing tooth decay. Toothpaste provides daily fluoride boosts that contribute to keeping your child's teeth cavity-free. See similar questions...

Major professional dental associations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the British Dental Association (BDA), recommend that people of all ages use fluoride toothpaste twice daily, even if they live in an area with a fluoridated water supply. (Oral Care Issues Management Resource, July 2003) The recently issued Cochrane report reviewed 56 clinical studies covering more that 42,000 participants. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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...

Fluoride is a mineral found in nature. There is fluoride in the ocean, in the earth's crust and in fresh water. See similar questions...

Topical fluoride is applied directly to the teeth. It is found in products containing strong concentrations of fluoride to fight tooth decay, such as toothpastes and mouth rinses. These products are then expectorated or rinsed from the mouth without swallowing. Dentists recommend brushing with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day or after every meal, combined with a regimen of flossing and regular dental checkups. See similar questions...

Nursery® Water is NOT a fluoride supplement. Consult your physician if using other fluoridated products and consult your dental professional for appropriate oral hygiene practices. Federal regulations allow products to be labeled as "sodium free" if the level of sodium is less than 5 milligrams per Liter in an 8 ounce serving. The level of sodium in Nursery® Water falls below this level. See similar questions...