Tandpasta

For children younger than 3 years, caregivers should begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice (Figure). Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste.

The toothbrush on the left shows a smear of toothpaste (0.1 milligram of fluoride) and the one on the right a pea-sized amount (0.25 mg of fluoride).

Inline Image fx1For children 3 to 6 years of age, caregivers should dispense no more than a pea-sized amount (Figure) of fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children’s brushing to minimize swallowing of toothpaste.

Inline Image fx1It is especially critical that dentists provide counseling to caregivers that involves the use of oral description, visual aids and actual demonstration to help ensure that the appropriate amount of toothpaste is used.