Baby’s teeth should be cleaned as soon as they appear: it’s never too early to prevent cavities. But be careful, not with just any toothpaste!
The baby’s first teeth should be brushed as soon as they appear with a suitable toothpaste and toothbrush. This should be designed for brushing baby teeth and small mouths. In addition, when the baby grows and is able to take the toothbrush in his hands, it is necessary to choose an ergonomic model that is easy to grab and without risk.
If the choice of toothbrush is important, that of toothpaste is even more so. For the first teeth, no need to use it, a little water is enough. Then, from 6 months, it is important to choose a toothpaste adapted to the age of the baby and to look carefully at the labels because certain substances are to be banned.
Substances to avoid in baby toothpaste
- triclosan
- titanium dioxide
- dyes
- cocamidopropyl betaine
- sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate
- polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- parabens
Triclosan has been in the sights of health authorities for a long time, but it is still found in some cosmetics. This preservative is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor, that is to say of interfering with the proper functioning of hormones. This product would also reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. Titanium dioxide is suspected of being carcinogenic.
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Which baby toothpaste to choose?
UFC Que Choisir performed a recently updated analysis. Good news, many toothpastes turn out to be risk-free. Among them: children’s toothpaste 0-5 years old (Jordan), My first toothpaste (TERAXYL), baby toothpaste 0-2 years old (Elmex), organic toothpaste 1-6 years old (Vademecum), first teeth balm (Acorelle).
Pay attention to the right dose of fluoride
Some toothpastes are under-dosed in fluoride compared to the recommendations.
Here are some pointers. Low caries risk: toothpaste must contain 1000 ppm from 6 months to 6 years, 1000 to 1450 ppm from 6 years until adulthood.
High risk of caries: 1000 ppm from 6 months to 3 years, 1450 ppm from 3 to 10 years, 2500 ppm from 10 to 16 years, 5000 ppm from 16 years. Your dentist can tell you if your child is more or less at risk of having cavities.
Pharma advice for my baby, Larousse