Your Child Is Probably Using Too Much Toothpaste.
When my daughter was little she hated brushing her teeth, but as soon as we discovered the taste of toothpaste that she liked (pink bubble gum, of course), her point of view immediately shifted to “OOOH CONDI!” Every time I squeezed a little onto her toothbrush, she complained, “It’s so little!” She wanted her mouth full, and while I knew I couldn’t let her get it, I only dimly knew why.
Now there’s confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: It’s bad for your teeth. Swallowing too much fluoride for a long time can cause discoloration and damage to the permanent enamel structure of children’s enamel, a condition called fluorosis. And many young cleaners are at risk. According to a recent CDC study , nearly 40 percent of children ages 3 to 6 use more toothpaste than the recommended amount. Children under 3 years of age should use only a grain-sized “swab”.
Here’s a visual aid:
This can be confusing for young children. A common depiction of the brushing process shows children violently squeezing out the toothpaste. This is why, until your child develops the awareness and dexterity to apply the correct amount, you, as a parent, must do it for him or her.
When to start brushing your child’s teeth? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says the sooner the better : “From birth, clean your baby’s gums with a soft baby toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny swab of fluoride toothpaste to brush their milk teeth twice a day, as soon as they erupt, and a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush. ”