Ever wondered why toothbrush and toothpaste for children comes with age ranges?

Is it a big deal if your child is 5 years old and uses a toothbrush for a 7 year old?

Understanding why ages are associated with dental products can ease the confusion and help you make confident choices for your children.

Suggested ages for toothbrushes

When it comes to toothbrushes, the younger the age, the smaller the toothbrush head. Fortoothbrush choice in general, the smaller the head, the more you need to focus on individual teeth. This results in a much better whole mouth clean.

Bottom line: if in doubt, choosing a younger advised age is always better.

Suggested ages for toothpaste

The suggested age for children’s toothpaste directly relates to the amount of fluoride content. While evidence-based practice correlates fluoride with decreased experience of decay in children, fluoride can also have systemic impacts if swallowed in large amounts.

Below the age of 5 years old, children have not yet developed the ability to spit properly. This means they are likely to be swallowing toothpaste. For children under the age of 5, it is best to use a toothpaste suitable for their age. Toothpaste for children of this age range contains a suitable amount of fluoride that can be swallowed.

As they get older and they can swallow, it is best to be using an older age of toothpaste to ensure their teeth are receiving adequate fluoride for strength and protection from holes.