Toothpaste - At What Age?

[sshellzp]

Hey everyone, at what age should I start to use toothpaste. I have started to use it now (DD is 19 months corrected) and wondering if im doing the right thing. ???.
Shell.

[honeydew]

They say from 12 months old so you are definately doing the right thing :thumbsup:

[elissas]

You can use it now, but please steer clear of coloured toothpastes, particularly the blue one like Colgate's baby toothpaste. That colour additive is banned in a number of other countries and for very good reason.

Unfortunately Australia has some of the most lax laws regarding additives in food, so our children are not protected from the use of these chemicals.

And even in such small quantities used such as in toothpaste, that little pea size a day can have an effect.

[youngones]

I started giving DD a toothbrush to play with on the change table when her first teeth appeared around 6/7mths. It got her used to the feel, but it was also a pleasant distraction for her while being changed!

About 9mths I introduced a tiny bit of low flouride toothpaste every second or third night (just basically dipped the bristles in the top of the tube), to get her used to the taste and started brushing her teeth and gums gently, then giving it to her to have a go.

I took her to the dentist for my own last checkup and asked a few questions - they said that I was doing the right thing by getting her used to it, so that when it becomes important to brush, it isn't so much of an issue and she'll be used to the feel and taste.

DD is now 13 mths and will occasionally get the strops if I don't let her have a go at brushing after I do :D.

[cheezelz]

A dental nurse that I know said 2 years is the earliest to use paste. If used before it can strip the enamel off the teeth. Giving your baby a soft toothbrush to play with in the bath is a great way to get them accustomed to brushing but they dont need paste till after 2.

[aardvark]

I've bought DS (age 2) some Junior Jaws organic toothpaste. It's fluoride free, so there is no issue about him swallowing it.

[SilverStarfish]

You can use it now, but please steer clear of coloured toothpastes, particularly the blue one like Colgate's baby toothpaste. That colour additive is banned in a number of other countries and for very good reason.

I would be very interested in seeing some references to back up that claim.

Sarah's been having a tiny bit of toothpaste on her brush since she was about 12 months old. I don't squeeze the toothpaste onto her brush, but rather just "dip" the top few bristles into the tube.

[metalhead713]

why does the toothpaste I have sitting in the bathroom say from 4 months if your not supposed to use it before then?:confused::confused:
Teeth are teeth arent they?? They need to be cleaned..
I figured as soon as a tooth is through you should at least brush it with warm water every day or the tinyest bit of toothpaste.. or why else would they sell it?
And I find it hard to beleive colgate would sell a toothpaste bad for babies, they are one of the most well known brands:confused: and one of the most trusted..
And before anyone says from 4 months is too early.. I got a tooth at 4 months according to my mum and dd is teething now.. no teeth yet but I brought the toothpaste for when she does pop one.

[MummaBear03]

I don't remember when I started using toothpaste, but I do know it was after her first birthday and before her second birthday. She started off with the Colgate First toothpaste and is still using it now, it's for ages 1 - 6 years. You're doing well, but as already mentioned just stay away from other commercial toothpastes aimed at kids, colgate and Macleans (Milk Teeth) are the recommended ones, they don't have any sugar or flavours in them. :yelclap:

[metalhead713]

ohh:doh: just went and checked the toothpaste.. it says up to 6 years lol.. it was the toothbrush that says from 4 months (its an oral b one- so cute and little lol)
I still dont beleive what an earlier poster said about the colgate toothpaste.. I really doubt theyd get away with that.

[elissas]

The colour used in Colgate's baby toothpaste is Brilliant Blue.


According to the UK Food Guide http://www.ukfoodguide.net/e133.htm:

A blue synthetic coal tar dye often used in conjunction with E102, Tartrazine, to produce various shades of green. Synthetic usually occurring as aluminum lake (solution) or ammonium salt;

Can be found in tinned processed peas, dairy products, sweets and drinks,

Not recommended for consumption by children.

Banned in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

"The Chemical Maze" also gives it the worst rating it has. It has been linked to allergic reactions, asthma and hyperactivity and has been found to cause tumours in laboratory animals.

I just don't see why it is necessary to colour any children's products at all?

And many companies use additives in their products that are actually harmful, and get away with so much - IMO it's criminal what they get away with because of the lack of regulation in Australia with regard to additives in food and personal care products.

[elissas]

ohh:doh: just went and checked the toothpaste.. it says up to 6 years lol.. it was the toothbrush that says from 4 months (its an oral b one- so cute and little lol)
I still dont beleive what an earlier poster said about the colgate toothpaste.. I really doubt theyd get away with that.

Colgate are just one of many trusted companies that get away with lot's of things. The Australian regulatory body with regard to additives and chemicals does not require testing to be done on any chemicals for effects on behaviour or long term health in order for these chemicals to be approved for use. It only requires testing for immediate medical reactions such as anaphylaxis etc.

[MummaBear03]

The colour used in Colgate's baby toothpaste is Brilliant Blue.


According to the UK Food Guide http://www.ukfoodguide.net/e133.htm:

A blue synthetic coal tar dye often used in conjunction with E102, Tartrazine, to produce various shades of green. Synthetic usually occurring as aluminum lake (solution) or ammonium salt;

Can be found in tinned processed peas, dairy products, sweets and drinks,

Not recommended for consumption by children.

Banned in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

"The Chemical Maze" also gives it the worst rating it has. It has been linked to allergic reactions, asthma and hyperactivity and has been found to cause tumours in laboratory animals.

I just don't see why it is necessary to colour any children's products at all?

And many companies use additives in their products that are actually harmful, and get away with so much - IMO it's criminal what they get away with because of the lack of regulation in Australia with regard to additives in food and personal care products.

We are still using aspertame in products that are sold and consumed on a daily basis that effects many people and it hasn't come close to being banned in this country yet so it stands to reason that it's not necessarily safe just because it's being sold on the shelves of a supermarket. Interesting reading in any case.

[elissas]

We are still using aspertame in products that are sold and consumed on a daily basis that effects many people and it hasn't come close to being banned in this country yet so it stands to reason that it's not necessarily safe just because it's being sold on the shelves of a supermarket. Interesting reading in any case.

Oh yeah, aspartame is a whole other travesty for a whole other thread.

One thing to be wary of is the use of artificial sweeteners in childrens food, medicine and toothpaste (that's why it's sugar free).

In most cases they use saccharin, but I have been told that aspartame is used in some antibiotics.

In particular watch for the antibiotic Keflor, which I've been told by our chemist contains aspartame, but also contains red artificial colouring (and doesn't help and already sleep-deprived sick child get any extra sleep!). If possible, ask for an alternative antibiotic when getting a prescription for bubs.

[cheezelz]

The colour used in Colgate's baby toothpaste is Brilliant Blue.


According to the UK Food Guide http://www.ukfoodguide.net/e133.htm:

A blue synthetic coal tar dye often used in conjunction with E102, Tartrazine, to produce various shades of green. Synthetic usually occurring as aluminum lake (solution) or ammonium salt;

Can be found in tinned processed peas, dairy products, sweets and drinks,

Not recommended for consumption by children.

Banned in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

"The Chemical Maze" also gives it the worst rating it has. It has been linked to allergic reactions, asthma and hyperactivity and has been found to cause tumours in laboratory animals.

I just don't see why it is necessary to colour any children's products at all?

And many companies use additives in their products that are actually harmful, and get away with so much - IMO it's criminal what they get away with because of the lack of regulation in Australia with regard to additives in food and personal care products.

Thank you for letting me know this.

Great :detective: work.