20 Dec Is Fluoride Toothpaste Safe for Kids?
You want the best for your child, and that includes top-notch dental care. But if you’re the kind of parent who worries about things like whether or not fluoride toothpaste is safe for kids, it can be hard to find products that you trust.
Most dentists will recommend fluoride toothpaste, fluoride floss, and regular fluoride treatments for kids. But as holistic dentists, we take a different approach.
Do Kids Really Need Fluoride Toothpaste?
When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for your kids, put safety first. Lots of parents have concerns about the safety of fluoride, but fluoride is actually not the worst ingredient in toothpaste. Far too many conventional brands contain toxic ingredients like propylene glycol, parabens, and DEA that can be harmful if swallowed.
Children’s toothpaste almost always contains fluoride. In fact, the American Dental Association will not give its seal of approval to any toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. So if you do end up choosing a fluoride toothpaste with fluoride, make sure your kids aren’t swallowing it. Use small amounts and supervise them while they brush to make sure they spit out all the toothpaste.
For parents who prefer fluoride-free toothpaste, there are natural alternatives on the market. Just remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe, and not all natural toothpastes are safe for kids. For instance, kids have thinner enamel than adults do, and the abrasive ingredients in adult-formula toothpaste can do some serious damage.
And instead of fluoride treatments at the dentist, you might want to ask about dental sealants. Kids are particularly prone to cavities in their molars, because the back teeth are harder to reach and easier for food to get stuck in. Sealants fill the crevices and smooth out the surface of the molars, which makes them easier to brush and prevents painful cavities.
Healthy Smiles Start at Home
- Be a good example! Brushing your teeth with your kids is the best way to make sure they get the job done, but it also shows them that brushing is an important part of taking care of their bodies.
- Good habits will last a lifetime. Start children off on the right path by keeping to a consistent routine. Pretty soon those daily habits will start to come naturally, and your kids will start reminding YOU when it’s time to brush.
- A nutritious diet also matters. Try to avoid ultra processed foods and added sugar when you can. Offer healthy snacks, encourage kids to drink lots of water, and make sure they’re getting all their vitamins.
Get Trustworthy Advice from a Holistic Pediatric Dentist
If you want to raise kids with healthy smiles, bring them to Prescott Dentistry. As holistic dentists, we understand your concerns about substances like fluoride, and we share your commitment to healthy, natural living.
Prevention is always our first priority. We want to stop cavities before they start! But for kids who do need treatment, we will always use minimally invasive, gentle techniques, and biocompatible dental materials that are safe for growing children.
Contact us to schedule appointments for your kids today.
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash, used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 12/20/2025.