Many parents start off using the clear training toothpaste that has no fluoride. However, the AAPD actually states that the best practice for children includes “twice-daily use of a fluoridated toothpaste.”
To avoid risk of swallowing too much fluoride, the AAPD specifies how much toothpaste to use when brushing. “A ‘smear’ of fluoridated toothpaste for children less than 2 years of age” and “a ‘pea-sized’ amount of toothpaste is appropriate for children aged 2 through 5 years.” Once they are 5 years old, most children are better able to spit and the amount is less critical.
Parents should dispense the toothpaste and perform or assist with tooth-brushing of young children. To maximize the beneficial effect of fluoride in the toothpaste, rinsing after brushing should be kept to a minimum or eliminated altogether.
At McKinney Pediatric Dentistry, Dr.online casinos Jon Schaack takes time to answer these types of questions as well as provide proper brushing and fluoride recommendations based on each child”s need.