Most children under the age five of will swallow some amount of toothpaste. Because of this, we recommend that your child us a non-fluoride toothpaste until age two or three. Once they switch to a fluoride toothpaste, we recommend that the parent place a one half of a pea-sized amount on their brush. » Return to Top

There are a lot of products to choose from, and much of the decision depends on individual preference. A fluoride toothpaste is essential for optimal oral health. Beyond that, your dental hygienist and dentist can alert you to any other features that make one product more suitable than another for you as an individual.

Parents should always supervise toothpaste use and should begin using fluoridated toothpaste beginning around age 2-3 years. A pea-sized amount should be placed on a soft bristle toothbrush sized for the child. Parents should brush their child’s teeth at least once a day and the teeth should be brushed after every time the child eats. The excess toothpaste should be rinsed after brushing and should never be swallowed.

Yes. Fluoride has been proven to reduce dental decay by at least 40%, so all children should be encouraged to use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride may be in your drinking water, so check with your dentist first. Research has shown that children living in a non-fluoridated area have more dental decay than those living in areas with fluoride in the drinking water. It is important to use only a small pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children, as they are likely to swallow some of it.

Toothbrushing is one of the most important tasks for good oral health. When looking for a toothpaste for your child make sure to pick one that is recommended by the American Dental Association. These toothpastes have undergone testing to insure they are safe to use. Use a "pea size" amount of toothpaste and have your child spit after brushing. Parents are often concerned about the nocturnal grinding of teeth (Bruxism).

Generally speaking, Dr. Malouf recommends any ADA approved soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Anything other than a soft toothbrush will prematurely wear away your teeth. Dr. Malouf may make more specific recommendations for you after your examination.

Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

Allowing your child to use a small amount of toothpaste to provide fluoride for the teeth is good. When it's the parent's turn to brush, however, experience has shown us that you can brush more easily and more effectively using a wet brush only. This allows you to see the gum line better and identify any areas that might need more attention (areas that bleed).

One which contains fluoride and also carries the ADA Seal. It is not necessarily for children to use whitening toothpaste.

Put a small pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste across the brush of a childs toothbrush. Apply the toothpaste across the width of the brush, instead of the length. Yes, but currently only 30% of Californians have it. Click here to see if you have it. The map is a general guide and does not include areas that receive fluoride naturally. Call the local water supplier for more specific information.

Fluoridated toothpaste should be used twice per day with a minimum amount of water used to rinse the mouth after brushing. excessive swallowing of toothpaste by young children may result in dental fluorosis, children under 6 years of age should be supervised during brushing and only use a small amount (e.g. pea-sized portion) of toothpaste. Children under 3 years of age should have their teeth brushed by an adult using only a smear of toothpaste.