Yeah, it's definitely tricky figuring out what's best. We did the natural route for a bit too, but our dentist mentioned that fluoride's especially important if your water isn't fluoridated (ours isn't). I still keep an eye on how much toothpaste they're using, though...just a tiny smear when they were younger. Like you said, every kid's different, so you've gotta do what feels right for yours.
We've had similar worries here too...I was pretty anxious about fluoride at first (still am sometimes, tbh). But after talking to our dentist and reading up a bit, I feel better using just a tiny smear for my kids. Our water isn't fluoridated either, so I figure the toothpaste is probably necessary. Still, can't help but hover when they're brushing—just in case they decide toothpaste tastes like candy one day, lol. You're right though, every kiddo's different and it's all about finding your comfort zone.
"Still, can't help but hover when they're brushing—just in case they decide toothpaste tastes like candy one day, lol."
Haha, totally get this...I remember catching my grandson squeezing half the tube onto his brush once. Do you ever wonder if the fruity flavors encourage that? Makes me anxious sometimes.
"Do you ever wonder if the fruity flavors encourage that?"
Honestly, yeah...my daughter once told me she wanted to brush her teeth again because the toothpaste tasted like her favorite gum. Makes me a bit uneasy—maybe minty flavors are safer after all?
"Honestly, yeah...my daughter once told me she wanted to brush her teeth again because the toothpaste tasted like her favorite gum."
Haha, I totally get this. My nephew once squeezed half a tube of strawberry toothpaste onto his toothbrush because he thought it was dessert or something. He was so disappointed when we explained he couldn't actually eat it. 😂
I mean, fruity flavors definitely make brushing more appealing for kids, but sometimes I wonder if it's a bit too appealing? Minty flavors might be safer in that sense, but then again, my niece hates mint and would probably never brush if that was the only option. Guess there's no winning here...
