3 Ingredients In Toothpaste To Be Alert To As A Parent

As a parent, encouraging your little ones to brush their teeth is probably one of your top priorities. However, teeth brushing most often involves the use of toothpaste, and while some types are fine for little ones to use, there are others which contain ingredients that could be harmful. Monitoring your child while they brush their teeth is actually extremely important because you don't want your youngster swallowing the toothpaste ingredients. There is a good reason why toothpaste has warning labels on the back instructing parents to supervise their child while the product is being use. Here is a closer look at some of the ingredients that can be found in most toothpastes.

Triclosan

An ingredient much akin to toxins found in pesticides, this ingredient is usually added to toothpaste because it has antibacterial properties, which helps to kill germs in the mouth. Plus, there is some evidence that the ingredient fights gingivitis. However, triclosan is also so similar in structure and development to toxic chemicals that it can be incredibly dangerous if ingested in large amounts. Many toothpaste brands are removing this ingredient from their products because the FDA is actually reviewing the risks and safety of this ingredient, but the component can still be found in some brands. 

Hydrated Silica

Hydrated silica is a compound that offers abrasive qualities, which is implemented into many toothpastes as a whitening agent. The tiny abrasive particles are supposedly included to scrub away buildup and plaque on the teeth, but excessive use can also damage the enamel of your teeth. Hydrated silica is usually only found in certain types of whitening toothpaste for the most part, which should never be given to children to use. If you use whitening toothpaste that contains hydrated silica, make sure you keep it out of reach of your little ones. 

Sodium Fluoride

This ingredient has long been associated with proper dental care, but what most people don't know is this: sodium fluoride is not an FDA-approved ingredient. Plus, in large doses, fluoride can have some severe effects on humans, including hardening of bones and damage to ligaments. With only five to ten grams of sodium fluoride being lethal to a full-grown human weighing 154 pounds, there is no way your child should be left alone with toothpaste containing sodium fluoride to brush their teeth. In addition to the risk of fluoride poisoning, the ingredient can irritate skin, nasal passages, and eyes as well. 

Contact a company like Pacific Ave Dental/Allan L. Hablutzel, DDS for more kids' dental tips.