Fluoride Toothpaste Use for Young Children
Publication Date: January 31, 2014
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Recomendations
For children younger than 3 years, caregivers should begin brushing children's teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children's brushing to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste.
6731
For children 3 to 6 years of age, caregivers should dispense no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth thoroughly twice per day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Supervise children's brushing to minimize swallowing of toothpaste.
6731
It is especially critical that dentists provide counseling to caregivers that involves the use of oral description, visual aids and actual demonstration to help ensure that the appropriate amount of toothpaste is used.
6731
Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Fluoride Toothpaste Use for Young Children
Authoring Organizations
Publication Month/Year
January 31, 2014
Last Updated Month/Year
January 9, 2024
Supplemental Implementation Tools
Document Type
Consensus
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Document Objectives
To assess the effectiveness and safety of using fluoride toothpaste for young children
Target Patient Population
Children who are at risk of developing caries
Inclusion Criteria
Child, Infant
Health Care Settings
Ambulatory, Childcare center, School
Intended Users
Dentist, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Prevention, Management
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D005459 - Fluorides, D003731 - Dental Caries, D005460 - Fluorides, Topical, D014100 - Toothpastes
Keywords
caries, dental, fluoride, toothpaste