Do you find toothpaste options confusing? Do you see yourself buying a different one for every member of the family? You may be wondering then if there’s anything significant that sets children's toothpaste from adult's.

Is there a difference between adult’s and children’s toothpaste? Can you use your child's toothpaste and vice versa?

The Differences Between Adult’s and Children’s Toothpaste

• Fluoride content. Fluoride helps restore minerals that the enamel loses, and also helps fight harmful bacteria. Fluoride is a common ingredient in both children’s and adult’s toothpaste, but its amount varies per toothpaste variant. Your child needs a toothpaste with fluoride content that's suitable for their age and needs.

• Safe to swallow. Children’s toothpaste is specially formulated to be safe to swallow. This doesn’t mean that kids can swallow their toothpaste. However, it won’t be harmful if they do ingest little amounts. Children below the age of 6 aren’t able to spit out yet. That’s why they need to use a toothpaste that’s made for them. Parents, on the other hand, need to supervise their little ones when brushing their teeth.

• Abrasiveness level. Toothpaste is made to be abrasive enough to effectively clean teeth surfaces. Children’s toothpaste, however, is a lot less abrasive than the adult toothpaste. Often, you’ll find them in gel formula to suit sensitive baby teeth.

• Range of flavours and colours. Since children tend to dislike mint, children’s toothpaste is also made in various flavours. You’ll find toothpaste in fruit flavours and various colours, too. Even the packaging is made extra appealing for the little users. If you aren’t a fan of mint-flavoured toothpaste, you can use children’s toothpaste, too. However, you may need to find other sources of fluoride to make up for the level you’re missing.

What is Fluorosis?

Too much fluoride can affect the teeth, too. This can lead to dental fluorosis or the appearance of white lines on the teeth. Children are likely to develop fluorosis if they’re exposed to too much fluoride before their teeth erupt or break through the gums.

Fluorosis isn’t a serious dental issue, though, and shouldn’t compromise the health of the teeth. Your dentist will know if your child has fluorosis through dental examinations.

Is it safe to use my child’s toothpaste?

Yes, it’s safe to use your child’s toothpaste. If anything, it’s made to be gentle. However, it’ll still be better to use a toothpaste that complements your oral health needs.

If you’re concerned about the shade of your teeth, for instance, you can opt for a teeth whitening toothpaste. If you often experience tooth sensitivity, you can choose a toothpaste that offers relief to sensitivity.

Overall, there isn’t too much difference between children’s and adult’s toothpaste. Stripped down, all toothpaste types are similar in that they help keep the teeth and gums healthy. Don’t forget, though, to brush properly and to complement your daily brushing with flossing.