When should my child start brushing with flouride toothpaste?

Parents nowadays are increasing more aware of the importance and benefits of fluoride in preventing cavity in their children. So, what is a good time to start using flouridated toothpaste in your kids?

A good rule of thumb to follow is to check if your child has learned how to gargle and spit. You can start by training him or her using drinking water, that is harmeless even if they accidentally swallow it. When time is ripe, you can introduce flouride toothpaste during their brushing or when you are brushing for them.

You see, the point is to prevent over ingestion of flouride and result in flouride overdose. Slight occasional ingestion might sometimes still happen and is alright if the flouride content in the toothpaste is low and within safe limits. Hence, it is important to use only toothpaste meant for kids and not adults, as the concentration of flouride vary. Remember to read the label carefully.

Most children learn how to gargle and spit from the age of 2 or 3 onwards. Again, this can vary in every child, so it is up to you , as parent, to help your child to start the healthy practice.