For some of our children, getting them to brush their teeth can be a challenging but possible task – but preventing them from swallowing toothpaste is an impossible task! The smaller the child, the harder it is to teach them to spit and rinse properly after brushing their teeth.
While your child swallows a little toothpaste every time he brushes, in general this tiny amount will not cause harm. Swallowing toothpaste is not life threatening! At the same time the fluoride that the toothpaste contains can disrupt the appearance of their permanent teeth and cause Floride white spots.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral found in soil, water and various foods.
Most toothpastes contain fluoride which is considered beneficial to the dental health of children. It helps to strengthen the tooth surface (enamel) from the harmful erosive effects of bacterial acids that cause tooth decay. For children under 6 years of age, the use of fluoride toothpaste has been shown to be effective in reducing tooth decay. Fluoride can also prevent or even stop tooth decay that has started. Some dentists recommend fluoride treatment or supplements for a child that contain fluoride for a child who is at higher risk for developing caries (cavities).
Swallowing toothpaste is not life-threatening, however when consumed in high concentrations, it can adversely affect the teeth and overall health, leading to dental fluorosis as well as headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Recommended amount of toothpaste?
Children under the age of 3
Brushing teeth by parents. The use of fluoride-containing toothpaste in this age group is determined by the level of risk. Parents should consult a dentist to determine if a child is at risk for developing tooth decay.
If there is such a risk, the child’s teeth should be brushed with a minimal amount (of rice grain size) of fluoride toothpaste.
If the child is considered a low risk, the teeth should be brushed by an adult using a damp toothbrush only with water. Swallowing toothpaste will do more damage.
Children from 3 to 6 years old
An adult should be helped to brush their teeth. Use only a small amount (size of green peas) of fluoride toothpaste.
These guidelines are designed to maximize the benefits of fluoride caries while reducing the risk of developing fluorosis.
Ingestion of toothpaste causes fluorosis.
Want to know what fluorosis is?
Read now >>> Fluorosis: White spots on teeth
