Toothpaste
One of the best ways to keep your child brushing is by having fluoride toothpaste available that is flavorful and easy to use. The taste can make brushing a more enjoyable experience, leading to more thorough brushing. Brushing twice a day results in increased fluoride application to help strengthen tooth enamel (the outer most layer of the tooth) and more opportunity to remove plaque. Only use a pea size amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush.

Remember, children should spit toothpaste out after brushing to avoid getting more fluoride than recommended. If too much fluoride is ingested, a condition known as fluorosis can occur. Fluorosis occurs when too much flouride is incorporated into the developing enamel causing white or yellow/brown discoloration.

If your child has not learned how to spit, only use toothpaste that does not contain fluoride (Toddler Toothpastes, Training Toothpastes). A children’s toothpaste (which contains fluoride) may be introduced once your child is learning how to spit and should only be used in very small amounts.

Remember toothpaste is great, but only brushing removes harmful plaque!