Toothpaste

I think it's really important. The amount of fluoride is important, you can get too much of it like anything else, but I know too many moms who were scared to use it at all who have toddlers with cavities.

You need to use fluoride as soon as a tooth comes out. If it comforts you to use a baby practice toothpaste go for it but those teeth are getting broken down immediately when they come out from the sweet milk and other foods. It’s recommended to use a rice size grain of kids toothpaste with fluoride in it but I do a bit less than I rice grain for my sanity cuz I worry a bit too sometimes. He doesn’t mind it though, 7 months old!

We use a mix but mostly xylitol toothpaste - their teeth are doing great so far.

I've been fluoride free for all my kids. Oldest has had one very tiny cavity and she's turning 18 this year. My 2.5 yo is in perfect dental health. Our teeth are fine without it so I'm not looking to change that any time soon.

There’s nothing wrong with fluoride. Its important for good dental health.

I’ll do fluoride-free until my child can spit. xylitol starves plaque-causing microbes. my pediatrician also recommended no toothpaste until 12 months. brushing before bed and in the morning every day for sure to prevent cavities.

So the city of Calgary, which is close to my area, removed fluoride from their water about 20 years ago due to complaints from the community. Unsurprisingly, they have recently reintroduced it, because a generation of kids are now growing up with increased tooth decay and a host of dental problems.

The amount of fluoride a toddler will swallow if you use the correct amount is miniscule. Don't worry about it. They would have to ingest vast amounts to experience any of the adverse effects you read about online.