Aug 12, 2023

Can Kids Use Adult Toothpaste? A Guide for Parents

Yes, but it's generally safer for kids to use children's toothpaste rather than use regular adult toothpaste before they are ready.

There are many important differences between children's and adult toothpastes. Kids' toothpastes are specifically designed with your child's oral health in mind.

For example, your child's teeth are not as resilient as adult teeth and can benefit from gentle, less abrasive kids' toothpaste.

This article will explain everything you need to know about the differences between kids' and adult toothpastes and which one is best for your child's dental development.

Differences Between Kids and Adult Toothpaste

Key differences between adult and kids' toothpaste include:

Fluoride concentration
Flavors
Strength
Added ingredients
Packaging

Some of these differences, such as packaging, may not influence your purchasing decision.

Others, like fluoride concentration, may be more important as they have a greater impact on your overall health.

Fluoride Concentration

Dental research suggests that kids' toothpastes have a lower concentration of fluoride as compared to adult toothpaste.

Typically, kids' toothpaste ranges from 500-550 ppm fluoride as compared to 1,000-1,500 ppm in adult fluoride toothpaste.

While still effective against cavities and tooth decay, the lower concentration is more suitable for smaller bodies and developing teeth.

For example, some studies show that too much fluoride exposure in children is associated with dental fluorosis.

Flavors

While you may be familiar with minty flavors in regular toothpaste, children's toothpaste often includes fun flavors.

Common flavors include:

Bubble gum
Grape
Strawberry

These flavors don't impact the efficacy of the toothpaste and mostly come down to personal preference.

Strength

Kids' toothpastes are typically formulated to be more gentle on the delicate tissues found in your mouth.

If you're prone to sensitivity, you may benefit from the gentle brushing experience from a kid's toothpaste formulated without sulfates or other harsh ingredients.

Added Ingredients

Some adult toothpastes are formulated with ingredients not included in kid toothpaste, such as:

Whitening agents
Anti-gingivitis ingredients
Peroxide

Some adults may use these ingredients to improve their oral hygiene, but they may not be suitable for children as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.

Why should kids stick to kids' toothpaste?

Children's toothpastes are specifically formulated with their pediatric dental care needs in mind.

Therefore, there are a few main reasons why kids should stick to their own toothpaste, including:

Higher fluoride concentrations in adult toothpaste
Harshness of adult toothpaste
The appeal of children's toothpaste

Further, some adult toothpaste tablets are not suitable for children until they can safely chew and swallow.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Research shows that the fluoride content in adult toothpaste is 2-3 times greater than that of kids' toothpaste.

While helpful for fighting tooth decay, too much fluoride exposure can put children at risk for developing dental fluorosis.

Alternatively, your family can consider ditching fluoride altogether.

For example, using proper brushing techniques with a nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe for both adults and children.

Harsh Chemicals in Adult Toothpaste

Some adult fluoride-free toothpastes are formulated with harsh ingredients not included in kid toothpaste, such as:

Whitening agents
Anti-gingivitis ingredients
Peroxide
Sulfates

These ingredients may not be suitable for the delicate tissues in your child's mouth.

Kid-Friendliness & Habit Building

Let's face it - adult toothpaste is boring!

To instill good brushing habits in your kids, make it an enjoyable experience for them with right toothpaste.

Think fun, fruity flavors, cartoons, and exciting packaging!

When can kids start using adult toothpastes?

Typically, children are ready to start using adult toothpaste as their permanent teeth come in between the ages of 6-8.

Be sure to check in with your dentist to determine when it's appropriate for your child to use adult toothpaste based on their dental maturity and brushing habits.