Toothpaste: How much is too much for your child?

You may stick to the “pea-sized rule” when it comes to measuring out your own toothpaste, but do you know what guidelines children should use? There’s a good chance your child is using too much. In fact, nearly 40% of children ages 3 to 6 use too much toothpaste, according to a 2019 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

With fun flavors like bubble gum and watermelon, children may like the taste of fluoride toothpaste and be tempted to swallow it. The more toothpaste they use, the more opportunity there is to swallow it. And if your child swallows too much, he or she could develop fluorosis, a condition that targets developing teeth.

Fluorosis can change the appearance of developing teeth, and in extreme cases, cause lasting structural damage. In its mildest form, it can leave white flecks or streaks on teeth. Severe cases can lead to brown spots and pits in the teeth. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your child’s dentist right away. The dentist may recommend teeth whitening or other cosmetic treatments for mild cases. If the tooth itself is damaged, microabrasion (removing the top level of enamel), bonding, crowns or veneers may be needed.

There’s no need to fear the paste! You can help prevent fluorosis by following these simple guidelines from the American Dental Association. 

Supervise your children as they brush until they are at least 8 years old. Check that they are brushing for the full two minutes, using the right amount of toothpaste and not swallowing it. Helpful hint: Make sure they spit before rinsing with water, as water makes it easy to swallow toothpaste.