We often associate “clean” with foam. Whether we are washing our hair or the dishes, we want to see a lot of foamy suds in order to feel like it is working. Toothpaste works in a very similar way and the foaming action does offer some benefits.
While toothpaste might leave the tube in a white or coloured paste, once it’s on your brush and in your mouth, it will soon start to foam up. While this is great for adults, children might struggle to produce the same effect from brushing alone. And this is where new foaming toothpaste comes into play.
What is foam toothpaste?
While most toothpaste brands will produce foam, there are new brands cropping up that promise a new brushing experience for kids. Instead of applying toothpaste to a brush and trusting kids to get it all over their teeth, the foam can be put directly in the mouth and then the child or adult can brush it around.
Since the toothpaste is already foamy, you can also use more than you would regular toothpaste. However, it’s important to pay close attention to how much you are really using. Follow the instructions on the tube if you are unsure.
Why should toothpaste foam?
Foaming toothpaste is ideal because it allows the cleansing ingredients and fluoride to spread all over your teeth, including between teeth and the gum line. The foam also produces less friction than a more viscous material, so it’s less likely to damage your enamel.
The most popular foaming agent used in toothpaste is sodium laurel sulphate or SLS. Some people prefer to avoid this because of a fear of allergic reactions. Instead, they might choose natural toothpaste that does not produce foam.
What toothpaste is best for kids?
A common reason that parents turn to foam toothpaste for kids is that it can be less messy than conventional toothpaste. Instead of putting the paste on the brush and trusting the child to push it around every corner of their mouth, you simply put the toothpaste straight onto their teeth.
Many children lose the toothpaste down the front of their pyjamas and then brush with a dry brush, which is helpful in removing some debris, but not the most effective way to brush their teeth.
If you struggle to get your kids to brush their teeth, then trying something new could be the thing they need to get them on board. At the end of the day, the best toothpaste is the one your child will actually use.
It might take a few different attempts with different flavours to find one that your child will use. Creating a bedtime routine with a song or special reward after brushing their teeth can help to make it something enjoyable rather than something they dread.
If you’re struggling to get your child to brush their teeth, visit your dentist or dental hygienist for ideas and support. They can help to encourage your child to see the importance of brushing their teeth by explaining in simple terms why we do it. Sometimes, they just need to hear it from someone else to realise the importance of taking care of their teeth.
