Children Using Too Much Toothpaste

08 Feb Children Using Too Much Toothpaste

A government survey suggests some children are using more toothpaste than the recommended amount when brushing their teeth. Health officials recommend brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and “children under 3 are only supposed to use a smear of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice,” while “kids 3 to 6 are supposed to keep it to a pea-sized amount.” ADA spokesperson and pediatric dentist Dr. Mary Hayes said, “Fluoride is a wonderful benefit but it needs to be used carefully.” To ensure children use the correct amount of toothpaste, Dr. Hayes advises, “We want the parent to be in charge of the toothbrush and the toothpaste.”