When your little one's first tooth appears, you may have started looking for a suitable toothbrush and toothpaste for him. However, do you really know what the right brush and toothpaste for children are like? So, if you're still unsure, it's better to see the full explanation in this article, OK?
Dental care for your little one should start early, from the time his first tooth appears. This can be started by using a soft cloth to clean his teeth to a soft-bristled toothbrush that is intended for children.
Doing dental care from an early age will reduce the risk of rotten teeth and cavities that can interfere with the growth and development of your little one.
Tips for Choosing the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste for Children
Before buying a toothbrush and toothpaste for your little one, here are some tips that mothers and fathers can apply:
1. Choose a special children's toothbrush
Toothbrushes designed specifically for children generally have an oval-shaped brush head, are small in size, with a non-slip handle that is comfortable for children to grip. Usually, toothbrushes for children are available in many colors and cartoon characters that your little one likes.
Apart from manual toothbrushes, now there are also electric toothbrushes specifically designed for children. In fact, several brands of electric toothbrushes are even equipped with music features that can make brushing your little one's teeth more fun.
2. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles
Toothbrush bristles should also be a concern for fathers and mothers when choosing a toothbrush for their little one. The reason is, if you're not careful and the bristles are too rough, this can actually trigger irritation, injury, and even damage to your teeth, you know. Therefore, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, Bun.
In addition, don't forget to routinely replace your little one's toothbrush after 3-4 months of use or the bristles and brush heads will look worn out.
3. Choose toothpaste that contains fluoride
This point is no less important for you to pay attention to. When their first teeth erupt until they are 18 months old, it is recommended that children brush their teeth using only a toothbrush and water.
New toothpaste can be used when the child is 18 months old. So, when your little one is at this age, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. For children aged 18 months to 6 years, it is recommended to use toothpaste only the size of a grain of rice, right, Bun.
4. Avoid toothpaste with hard active ingredients
Mothers and fathers must be observant in reading the ingredients contained in the toothpaste that will be given to the Little One. The reason is, some of the active ingredients in toothbrushes are known to cause tooth decay and problems in children's mouths, you know.
Therefore, avoid giving children toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), essential oils, or ingredients that can trigger irritation. In addition, also choose toothpaste that is not accompanied by added sugar.
After knowing the tips on choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste for children, so that your little one's teeth and mouth health are maintained, don't forget to apply the habit of brushing your teeth 2 times a day, limit consumption of sweet foods, and always supervise your little one when brushing his teeth, OK, Bun.
In addition, also do routine checks with the dentist at least once every 6 months. This is so that the condition of the teeth and mouth of Little One can always be monitored so that if there is a problem with the teeth or mouth, the doctor can detect and provide treatment early on.
If you are still confused about choosing a toothbrush and toothpaste or your little one is having problems with his teeth and mouth, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.