Toothpaste
- June 17th, 2016
Toothpaste
Dental professionals caring for children's oral health
Fluoride toothpaste is proven to help prevent tooth decay. You should start brushing with a fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first teeth come through.
Toothpaste is not a food group and should not be deliberately eaten. Although children will inevitably swallow a small quantity of toothpaste while brushing, this will not be a problem if you follow these recommendations.
- Keep toothpaste and fluoride tablets out of the reach of young children.
- Discuss your child's caries risk with your dentist, and use the recommended type of toothpaste for your child’s age and caries risk.
- Measure out the correct amount of toothpaste when required. A rice grain until age two, and a pea size after age two.
- Push the toothpaste down into the bristles before brushing.
- Supervise your child while they are brushing. Children under the age of 8 years need your help to get their teeth really clean.
- Children should be encouraged to spit after brushing. If they can’t spit, use a tissue to gently wipe away the excess toothpaste foam
How much toothpaste?

Use a rice grain size smear until age 2, and a pea size blob until age six