Hello,
During the last two trips to our pediatric dentist, I was told that my 5 year old son is prone to bad tartar build up. They told me to use a tartar control toothpaste. They only seem to have adult tartar control toothpastes which are too minty or "spicy" according to my son. He screams when we use it! He hates it and it makes brushing a nightmare. We've tried only using just a tiny bit mixed in with his other Tom's of Maine Strawberry toothpaste but he can still taste it. Are there any milder kids brands out there, I've search Amazon and can't find anything. Oh & we floss everyday too & use a kids spinbrush. Does anyone else have this problem with their kids?
Thanks!
Earthpaste by Redmond. The peppermint is the best, and very mild. My almost 3 yr old uses it, and prefers it over the lemon. My 5 yr old doesn't like the peppermint OR the lemon, but prefers the lemon. Google it, you can't buy it in stores. And look up Weston A. Price for more info. Dental health actually is dependent upon good nutrition, not hygiene.
If your dentist is not a pediatric dentist, I might look for one. And even if it is a pediatric dental center, you should be able to get a recommendation. Say what you've tried and what you routinely use and what could be different? Could particular foods help/hurt? My DH found out that when he used reduced fat peanut butter, his teeth were worse. Something about it is horribly stickier than regular peanut butter (sticks to spoons bad, too). Could you brush his teeth differently, too?
A pediatric dentist should have recommendations. My son uses Prevident once a day which is technically "prescription only" but comes in fruity flavor. I'd get a second opinion if your dentist doesn't have suggestions. Brushing shouldn't be such a struggle, poor kid. :(
What type of tooth brush do you use? Rather than forcing the toothpaste issue, try using a Sonicare or similar electronic tooth brush. They are fantastic at keeping tartar away :)
I do have this problem (just talked to the dentist about it at his appointment this week). She suggested an adult tartar control toothpaste, but, like your son, my son doesn't like them. We bought a Crest Complete for Kids - it doesn't specifically say tartar control, but the adult crest complete does help tartar, so I'm hoping.
We also went the other route someone suggested, and got an sonicator toothbrush and I'm trying to make sure he does a thorough job brushing. I don't know if it will work or not. I guess I'll let you know when he goes back in 6 months.
Also, FWIW, my dentist told me not to feel bad about it. My son has allergies and she said that is a huge culprit for tartar. If you don't treat the allergies, then the front teeth get dried out from mouth breathing and tartar accumulates. If you do treat the allergies, most of the medications are drying to the mouth and tartar accumulates - so you get tartar either way.
UPDATE: I just looked at home, and it's actually Crest ProHealth for Me, not Crest complete.
An answer to another dental question included brushing one's teeth with a combination of baking soda and peroxide. Perhaps this combination would help with tarter control because it would be mildly abrasive.
My dentist is a dad, and our "family" dentist as well, so I always asked him what the kids would like.
Not only did he have good recommendations, but he usually had free samples as well.
Doesn't your dentist offer any suggestions? If not, I would start looking for another!
You can try using his own toothpaste with a little baking soda.
The baking soda will taste a bit salty but his sweet flavored toothpaste should help to cover it a bit.
It helps to floss every day, too.
My son loves using those floss sticks much better than dealing with a long strand of regular floss.
