For years I was a “mommy blogger” so I am not at all surprised that many of you still ask me questions as it pertains to my children. I get it. I hear you. Keep the mom advice rolling. Well, don’t you worry. I can talk about motherhood, parenting, and my favorite kid products any day of the week. Last month I covered the non-toxic oral hygiene regime I use, and today I’m going to talk to you about our favorite kid-friendly non-toxic oral hygiene products.
In my previous post, I not only covered what products I used but also how they assist in oral health. So, I want to do the same with this post. The reason I felt the need to transition away from traditional dental care products is quite simple: digestion begins in our mouth.
Our teeth play an essential role in digestion and keeping them healthy and strong is just as important as having a healthy gut, though perhaps not as sexy of a topic.
A word on Fluoride: kids non-toxic oral hygiene
As with any health-related decision, research is vital. Whether or not you choose to use a fluoridated toothpaste is no different. I can’t tell you what you should do (I’m not your doctor), but I can tell you that based on the research, I choose not to use fluoride in my children’s toothpaste.
Fluoride is just not necessary in the average person’s twice-daily oral regime.
Let me tell you a story. Once upon a time, people’s teeth were decaying like crazy. So fluoride was added to toothpaste because it can remineralize teeth and prevent tooth decay. And then they added fluoride to er’thang. Now, as the pendulum swings, we are actually at risk of overconsumption of fluoride. Overconsumption comes with a myriad of health risks; dental Fluorosis being one– disgustingly nicknamed “molting enamel.” yuck.
Long story short: my toothpaste consuming 4yr old does not need fluoride in his toothpaste. Proper brushing technique and regular dentist appointments go a long way. This means that daddy and I tag in for nightly brushing (morning brushing is typically independent), we set a timer for 2mins, and we floss regularly. Additionally, I have a home dental kit, and about once a month I give my 8yr old a quick once-over because he seems to create calcium like it’s his job (a fun little genetic trick he inherited from his grandfather).
What about Fluoride at the Dentist Office?
I feel this is an important distinction. So, to be clear, I do allow my dentist to use the fluoride solution at my children’s 6month appointments. We avoid fluoridated water and toothpaste, so a spot treatment twice a year under the care of their dentist seems the appropriate middle ground, to me. You do you.
Looking for a dentist’s opinion?
“During a dental appointment, a high concentration of fluoride is applied to a patient’s teeth using a mouthguard device to help aid in the remineralization of teeth. After a few minutes, your hygienist sucks away this fluoride solution with a high-powered suction vacuum so that you don’t accidentally ingest fluoride. This process is what we recommend people to do to help take care of their smile and to help prevent tooth decay.” — Dr. Pooneh Ramezani, DDS
Btw, the above-quoted dentist does recommend the twice-yearly fluoride treatments and simultaneously recommends against the regular use of fluoride toothpaste.
Floss
In the past, we’ve used those kid floss sticks, but rigid floss sticks often don’t fit small mouths well and are uncomfortable both along the gumline and in the mouth. Cocofloss is the best floss I’ve ever used. It’s easy to handle; doesn’t dig into your fingers; and its comfortable in small, often sensitive, kid mouths. It’s the one that I use, and I use it on the kids as well. This floss is infused with coconut oil, spearmint oil, and a vegan wax that makes it glide through teeth like a breeze. I can’t recommend it enough.
Note: Cocofloss makes other scent/flavors, but some of them are made with synthetic ingredients– if you want 100% natural ingredients, the mint is the way to go (and my fave). You can also purchase refill rolls of the coco-floss that ship in recyclable boxes. Just one more way to be a little more earth-friendly.
Toothbrush
We’ve been through a LOT of kiddy toothbrushes. Some that spin, some with characters, and some that are just plain harsh on developing teeth. After I learned that my current fave adult toothbrush, F.E.T.E (From Earth to Earth) toothbrushes, also comes in in a child-size, switching was a no-brainer. When the boys saw the cool pops of color on their dad’s and my sink, they were on board, too. Win-Win.
As I mentioned before, toothbrushes are one item in our house that we have consciously made an effort to transition to more sustainable resources. Bamboo is the worlds fastest naturally renewing resource. It’s also ideal for use in toothbrushes because it has inherent anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. The F.E.T.E toothbrushes are 100% sustainable bamboo and have an excellent mouthfeel. The children’s toothbrushes are smaller and use softer bristles. And when you’re done with them (around 4months), they make for a fun little project. Just remove the bristles, discard, and then put the handles in the compost bin. From Earth to Earth – literally. 😍
Tooth Paste
Have you ever tried to stop a 4yr old from eating toothpaste? Not. FUN. What most people don’t realize is you are only supposed to use a pea size amount of toothpaste for children, and you are supposed to monitor carefully to ensure that they do not eat it. And that was great when I only had one child and a relatively easy one at that. Fast forward to my middle child, and you might as well serve him toothpaste as dessert. Smh.
In addition to having some shady ingredients, I just don’t monitor tooth brushing as closely as I should. Using higher quality all-natural non-toxic toothpaste is not only great for my kids but gives me peace of mind when I’m doing the bedtime shuffle with three young children. I love the Dr. Brite lineup for kiddos (they also make “adult” toothpaste). Their whole motto is: “Toothpaste so natural you can eat it!” Hoozah!
I discovered the Dr.Brite line (Strawberry Sky flavor) because when I was specifically looking for a mineral toothpaste. In addition to using white activated charcoal (to help whiten and remineralize the teeth), this toothpaste has some pretty stellar (all organic) ingredients.
- Coconut Oil can prevent cavities
- Green Tea Extract slows down the activity of harmful bacteria linked to tooth decay
- Vegetable Glycerin helps maintain moisture
- Stevia has antibacterial properties that may freshen bad breath and prevent gingivitis
But, even more importantly it does not have fluoride, SLS, or artificial colors and sweeteners.
Mouthwash
When I stumbled across the toothpaste, I couldn’t pass up the Strawberry Sky mouthwash. We’ve tried other mouthwashes, but my 8 yr old and 4 yr old just aren’t that adept at the whole “swish-gargle-spit” thing, so this has been a lifesaver. With this mouthwash, you just spray several pumps directly on the teeth and gums and call it a night. 🙌🏽 This mouthwash has the same great organic ingredients as the toothpaste and my sons practically beg for it every night (god forbid I forget their strawberry spray).
HealTHY Mouth Blend
I talk more in depth about this little gem in my adult oral hygiene post, so be sure to check that out if you want to know a little bit more. But the gist is that this blend is a mix of organic and wildcrafted essential oils in a carrier oil and can be used in a myriad of ways. It is truly magical. It is a part of my regular oral hygiene routine, but for my son’s it’s a more periodic product.
My eldest is prone to mouth ulcers and a few drops of this blend heals them quickly. Also, if I notice Eli’s got a bit of dry mouth, I’ll add it to his toothbrush before he starts brushing as it helps with saliva production. You can even put a drop on the floss to calm any gum inflammation. This little bottle of HealTHY Mouth Blend has an air-tight dropper, lasts a really long time and can be found on Amazon. It’s truly Magical.
Lips
Lately my 8yr old has been suffering from extremely dry cracked lips so I’ve been putting the tiniest amount of 8 Faces Beauty Boundless Solid Oil every morning and night to heal them. After only a few days of exfoliation and the use of this oil, they are healed. I truly love this stuff. I did a thorough review of it HERE and just wanted to mention it because it has turned out to be a truly multi-purpose healing wonder. Love it.
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And that’s that. Let me know if there is anything else you’d like to know. This school year I’m endeavoring to teach my 8.5yr old how to tongue scrape. If you’d like to know how that goes let me know.
Xo, Kimberly Fe'Lix
