Question: The video says use a tiny smear of toothpaste on a child’s toothbrush. How do I know I have the right amount?
Answer: “Studies have shown that even parents who have seen pictures will tend to put too much toothpaste on a child’s toothbrush.
The new ADA (American Dental Association) Guidelines recommend counseling parents by talking to them, showing them a picture and demonstrating what the proper amount of toothpaste looks like on a child’s toothbrush.
For kids under age 6 years, parents–never children–should squeeze out the toothpaste. For children under age 3 years, parents should put a little smear crossways – across – the brush head, lightly raking a thin coating on just three to four rows of bristles. Don’t push down and don’t squish out a glob. Make it as thin as a grain of rice. It’s better to have too little than too much.
Once the child turns 3 years old, graduate to a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use fluoride toothpaste; it’s proven to be the most effective at fighting tooth decay. Kids love to swallow toothpaste but it’s not good for them. That’s why parents should use only a little, and always in a safe and appropriate way.”
–Tim Wright, DDS, MS
UNC-Chapel Hill Bawden Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Former Chair of the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Dental Association and lead author on the systemic review for the new guidelines.
Tiny smear of toothpaste.
And use your “teach back” tactics! Demonstrate to parents in your program the proper amount of toothpaste for their children and then, more importantly, have them demonstrate it to you. As Dr. Wright noted, even parents who have seen a picture tend to put too much toothpaste on a child’s toothbrush.
Want to share toothpaste recommendations with the parents in your program? Check out the Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center pamphlet by clicking here. You can order these free pamphlets to share with parents.
Pea sized amount.
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