The best toothpaste for a 12-year-old to use is a small amount (pea size) of regular adult toothpaste per brushing session. However, you may want to choose a regular high-fluoride toothpaste that has a less minty flavour, as this will continue to encourage your 12-year-old to brush twice a day.
A study done by the CDC reported that only 65% of children brush their teeth twice a day. This shows that parents should be working hard to instil good brushing habits in their kids. Since 12 years old is such a formative time of a child’s life, it’s not too late to develop these habits.
Your choice of toothpaste plays a big part in helping your adolescent child learn good dental hygiene. Luckily, there are a number of good toothpaste brands out there that taste great for children. At Brisbane Paediatric Dentist, we see an unfortunate amount of children with bad teeth due to not brushing. So, we’ve put together a guide on how you as a parent can buy the right toothpaste for your 12-year-old.
Key Takeaways
- Children from the age of 10 can start using regular adult toothpaste.
- Kids younger than 10 should use low-fluoride or fluoride-free toothpaste, especially if they still swallow after brushing.
- Creative flavours of toothpaste can enforce better brushing habits in kids who dislike adult flavours of toothpaste.
- Kids must learn to spit out their toothpaste after brushing before being introduced to fluoride varieties.
What’s the Best Toothpaste for 12-Year-Olds and Why?
By the age of 10, your child is ready to use regular fluoride toothpaste in small amounts. However, it’s at this stage when kids may stop brushing their teeth because they dislike the flavour of adult toothpaste. If this is the case, purchase a bubblegum, strawberry, or fruit-flavoured toothpaste to encourage brushing.
At this age, kids know not to swallow their toothpaste after brushing, so high-fluoride toothpaste (like the ones used by adults) is perfectly fine. Most 10- to 12-year-olds want to start doing things that adults do, so show them how much toothpaste to apply and how often and long they should brush.
What’s the Best Toothpaste for Kids Under 12?
The best toothpaste for kids under 12 should be fluoride toothpaste, specifically formulated for their specific age. For kids aged between 4 and 9, use a toothpaste that’s low in fluoride (0.1 to 0.5%). For children aged between 1 and 3, fluoride-free toothpaste is best until they learn not to swallow after brushing.
| Age Group | Recommended Toothpaste | Why Recommended | Contains | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Months Old | Fluoride-Free Baby Safe Toothpaste | Babies may swallow toothpaste, fluoride-free to avoid toxicity | • Xylitol • Calcium Carbonate • Natural flavours |
• Safe if swallowed • Prevents cavities • Mild abrasive |
| 1 to 3 Years Old | Fluoride-Free Low Abrasive Toothpaste | Toddlers still swallow toothpaste, fluoride-free to avoid ingestion | • Xylitol • Calcium Carbonate • Natural flavours |
• Cavity protection • Inhibits harmful bacteria |
| 4 to 9 Years Old | Low-Fluoride Toothpaste (0.1–0.5%) | Children can spit but need low fluoride to avoid overexposure | • Fluoride (0.1–0.5%) • Sorbitol • Sodium Bicarbonate |
• Strengthens enamel • Freshens breath |
| 10 to 12 Years Old | Regular Fluoride Toothpaste | Children can handle higher fluoride for stronger cavity protection | • Fluoride (0.5–1%) • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate • Glycerin |
• Cavity protection • Keeps paste moist • Helps spread evenly |
At What Age Should Children Start Using Fluoride Toothpaste?
You can begin introducing fluoride toothpaste as soon as your kids learn not to swallow their toothpaste. For some, this can be at about 3 years old. For others, it may be as old as 6 years old. Once your child learns to spit after brushing, they can be introduced to low-fluoride toothpaste.
What are Some Beneficial Ingredients in Kids’ Toothpastes?
Some beneficial ingredients in kids’ toothpaste include fluoride in low amounts, xylitol for sweetness, and aloe vera for gum care. Others include creative flavours that encourage brushing in kids who may not be as excited about regular oral hygiene as others.
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Fluoride | Strengthens tooth enamel, prevents cavities, and protects against tooth decay |
| Xylitol | Reduces the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, helps prevent cavities, and supports overall oral health |
| Calcium Carbonate | Gently cleans teeth without damaging enamel, helps remove plaque, and polishes teeth |
| Sodium Bicarbonate | Mild abrasive that removes plaque, helps whiten teeth, and freshens breath without harming enamel |
| Aloe Vera | Soothes and reduces gum irritation and inflammation, promotes healing of soft tissues in the mouth |
| Hydrated Silica | Gently polishes teeth, removes surface stains, and provides effective cleaning without enamel wear |
| Sorbitol | Acts as a humectant (retains moisture), prevents toothpaste from drying out, and provides sweetness without cavities |
Promoting Good Oral Hygiene in Your Kids
Children should learn from a young age that good oral hygiene is a long-term investment in their teeth and oral health. Make sure you visit Brisbane Paediatric Dentist with your children at least once every 6 months. We conduct teeth cleaning, cavity treatments, and a variety of corrective procedures for children.
FAQs on What Toothpaste Should a 12-Year-Old Use?
What flavour of toothpaste is best for kids?
The best flavour toothpaste for kids will depend on the child’s preference. While some don’t mind adult-flavoured toothpastes, most prefer fruit flavours like citrus or strawberry. Bubblegum is a popular flavour among children too. Try different flavours and see which ones encourage your kids to brush the most regularly.
What should I do if my child swallows toothpaste?
If your child swallows toothpaste, find out how much they swallowed. If it was a small amount, you don’t need to be concerned. However, if they swallowed a large amount, or have swallowed lots of small amounts over time, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
When should my child start using mouthwash?
Children can start using mouthwash from age 6. There are lots of great kid varieties of mouthwash available, but they can use adult mouthwash too. Just remember to teach your child to always spit and rinse with water after using mouthwash, since many of them contain high amounts of fluoride.
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