Parents often wonder when to start toothpaste and how much to use. The amount should increase with age, and an adult should always help.
- Start cleaning a child's mouth as soon as the first baby tooth comes through.
- Many guidelines suggest a rice-grain amount of toothpaste for young children and a pea-sized amount from about 3 to 6 years.
- Parents should help with brushing until about 7 to 8 years old and remind the child to spit out.
- Take a child for a first dental visit when the first tooth appears or at about one year at the latest.
Cleaning the mouth should start as soon as the first baby tooth comes through. What changes with age is the amount of toothpaste and how much help parents need to give.
Amount of toothpaste by age
- From the first tooth to about 3 years: many guidelines suggest a very small amount, about the size of a grain of rice.
- From about 3 to 6 years: increase to a pea-sized amount.
- From about 6 years on: an adult amount may be used, with reminders and checking.
Parents should ask the dentist to choose a toothpaste suited to the child's age and needs, especially if the child has many cavities.
How to brush a child's teeth correctly
- Brush for the child, or hold their hand, until about 7 to 8 years old when they are dexterous enough.
- Brush twice a day, most importantly in the evening before bed.
- Use a soft brush with a small head suited to a child's mouth.
- Tell the child to spit out and not to rinse with too much water afterwards.
Young children often swallow toothpaste, so keeping to the small amount and supervising matters a lot. Choose a mild flavour so the child accepts it, and keep the tube out of the child's reach.
How do you get a child to enjoy brushing?
- Brush together so the child can copy you.
- Let the child choose the brush, sing a song or use a sand timer.
- Praise cooperation and avoid forcing or scolding.
When should you take the child to a dentist?
Take a child for a first dental visit when the first tooth appears or at about one year old at the latest. See when to take a child for a first dental visit, teething: what parents can do and tooth decay in children.
You can bring your child in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter hours.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can children use toothpaste?
You can start when the first tooth comes through, using a very small rice-grain amount. Ask your dentist to choose one suited to your child's age.
How much toothpaste for a child aged 3 to 6?
Many guidelines suggest a pea-sized amount. Parents should supervise so the child spits out and does not swallow it.
Is it harmful if a child swallows toothpaste?
A very small amount is usually not a worry, but swallowing a lot regularly is not advised. Keep the amount small, supervise brushing and store the tube out of reach.