This week was a big milestone for Madison. She went to the dentist for the first time. Big day! It was a great experience and she sat very still while they counted her ten teeth on top and ten teeth on bottom. Apparently she gets a gold star because there is good space between her teeth. No flossing yet!
I learned a couple of things too at the visit that I thought would be interesting to share.
When Madison was given a choice of flavorings for the cleaning part of the visit, I asked if they had synthetic food dye in them. The answer was YES. I was totally surprised, but glad I asked. They did have one plain one to offer which had no dyes in it. The technician wasn’t surprised by the question and said that some kids do have a reaction to the dyes so they keep both available.
Second learning of the day was about the new fluoride recommendations. The new guidelines are for infants to brush with fluoridated toothpaste, not just a wet toothbrush. Only a rice grain sized amount of toothpaste is needed in order to avoid over exposure to fluoride.
Too much fluoride before 8 years of age, a time when teeth are developing, can cause enamel fluorosis, a discoloration or mottling of the permanent teeth.
I realized the Tom’s of Maine kids toothpaste we use, which has no synthetic food dyes, is also fluoride free. Next time I’m in the market for kids toothpaste, I may take a look at their fluoridated options. I will have to watch my little miss since she likes to start brushing her teeth independently. No need for an inch long strip of toothpaste! Time for a toothbrush for the little guy too.
If you are local to the Needham area, Chestnut Dental was AMAZING! It was such a pleasant experience for both of us I’m sure my kids will be happy to head to the dentist for years to come. The balloons were a big hit.
What toothpaste do your kids use? Do they like brushing time?
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Toms of maine also makes a fluoridated kids toothpaste. My 2yo absolutely hates getting her teeth brushed. Any tips?
Fluoride is a carcinogen, is it not? I'm not comfortable giving that to my two year old. We use good old baking soda just like my parents did. 🙂
This is an interesting post! I have to admit I never thought about the dyes in toothpaste, I am so focused on avoiding peanuts and tree nuts (bc of my son's allergies), I hardly think about other ingredients. I do avoid fluoride treatments though because our water is fluoridated and I think that is enough fluoride.
Great post! Our daughter likes Weleda Children's Tooth Gel. It's a mild spearmint but she says it tastes like candy. 🙂
We will soon be taking our son to his first dental appointment. I wouldn't have thought to ask about the tooth polish they use but I will now as he doesn't get any artificial coloring. Our water is fluoridated so we avoid it in the toothpaste. As for brushing he insists on doing it himself but then just sucks on the brush and then he's done, so I also go in with the old cloth on the finger to do a cleaning. I still worry that that is not enough though. I guess we will find out at his appointment!
Great tips! My daughter is heading to the dentist for the first cleaning soon, and I'm glad to know about the dyes!
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This is really helpful, Emily! We haven't taken my son to the dentist yet, and it hadn't occurred to me to ask about the synthetic dye. So glad you did! We use fluoride-free Tom's.
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