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Excessive Toothpaste Use Linked to Dental Fluorosis in Children
15 Nov
Summary
- 80% of children start brushing before age 1, 1/3 brush only once daily
- 40% of 3-6 year olds use excessive toothpaste
- Proper toothpaste amounts: rice-grain for under 3, pea-size for 3-6 years
According to a recent study, excessive fluoride consumption in children, often resulting from using too much toothpaste, can lead to a condition called dental fluorosis. While fluoride is effective in preventing tooth decay, ingesting high amounts can cause discoloration and pitting of permanent teeth in young children.
The study found that around 80% of children aged 3-15 years started brushing their teeth at or before 1 year of age, and about a third brushed their teeth only once daily. Concerningly, roughly 40% of children between 3-6 years used an excessive amount of toothpaste.
To address this issue, dental experts recommend using only a rice-grain-sized amount of toothpaste for young children "from the time the teeth erupt to the age of three or until your child can spit out on their own." For ages 3 and older, they advise using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, which remains the same until age 6, by which time the swallowing reflex in kids has developed sufficiently to prevent inadvertent ingestion.
Parents are urged to supervise their children's brushing and ensure they spit out the toothpaste, not swallow it. For children at high risk of cavities, dental providers or pediatricians may suggest additional fluoride products, but they will discuss the potential risks of dental fluorosis when making such recommendations.
