Most children love their fruity toothpaste – strawberry, cherry, or melon, anything goes, as long as it doesn't taste like mint! However, from the age of six at the latest, dentists recommend switching to a "proper" toothpaste with a higher fluoride content. You can find out why this is important – and how to gently accustom your child to the new toothpaste – here.
Why switch at all?
With the eruption of permanent teeth, the risk of caries increases – and with it, the need for better protection. Children's toothpaste usually contains only 500 ppm fluoride, while adult toothpaste contains 1000–1500 ppm. This amount is essential for the long-term protection of new teeth. Unfortunately, fluoride often comes with a sharp mint taste that deters children.
"I thought she'd never accept mint!" – An interview with a mother
To show that the toothpaste transition is not an isolated case, we spoke with Lena (35), mother of 6-year-old Amelie from Cologne.
Question: Lena, how was the transition from children's to adult toothpaste for you?
Lena: Honestly? A drama! Amelie loved her strawberry toothpaste, and the first time I gave her a mint toothpaste, she immediately started crying and said it "burned in her whole soul." I was close to giving up.
Question: What helped you then?
Lena: I talked to a friend who gave me the tip to gradually mix the toothpaste. Amelie was also allowed to choose her new toothpaste herself – that helped. And then, by chance, I discovered the Ben & Anna toothpaste in Cinnamon Orange. It really tastes like cola – she was suddenly enthusiastic. Now she brushes her teeth voluntarily and even longer than before!
Question: What would you advise other parents?
Lena: Don't give up. It's normal for children to react sensitively to changes – but with a little patience and a product they like, it works. For us, it was a real game-changer that there are toothpastes that are not only "healthy" but also tasty.
Three tips for a relaxed transition
1. Mix the toothpaste
A gentle transition often succeeds by mixing: simply combine a dollop of the usual children's toothpaste with a small drop of adult toothpaste. This way, your child gets to know the new taste step by step – without a shock.
2. Choose the flavor together
Involve your child! Let them choose the new toothpaste themselves – ideally from an exciting, child-friendly range. When children feel like they can have a say, the transition becomes easier.
3. Make the transition playful
Children love stories. So why not invent a toothpaste detective story? For example: "The taste of mint is the secret shield against cavity villains." This turns the new ritual into an adventure.
The insider tip: Toothpaste that tastes good – even without strawberry
If your child absolutely doesn't like mint, there's still a solution: Ben & Anna toothpaste in a tube – for example in "Wild Berry" or "Cinnamon Orange". Both varieties contain the important active ingredients for adults but taste surprisingly delicious. Cinnamon Orange even reminds many children of cola – and that suddenly makes the transition very easy.
