Fluoride Toothpaste – Is It Safe for Babies, Toddlers and Kids to Use?

Fluoride is found in soil, water and air. All water bodies have some amount of fluoride in them although level of fluoride might differ.

Toothpaste and water supplies  have fluoride as it can help:

  • Prevent cavities
  • Strengthen weakened tooth enamel
  • Reverse early tooth decay
  • Limit the growth of oral bacteria
  • Slow the loss of minerals from tooth enamel

Fluoride in toothpaste is of a higher concentration than fluoride in water and hence should not be swallowed.

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Can babies and toddlers use fluoride based toothpastes?

As soon as a baby’s teeth start coming, the cleaning process should start with toothpaste not more than a grain of rice or just a smear on the brush.

In order to avoid swallowing of the paste the baby’s face should be tilted so that the excess water dribbles out.

If a larger amount of toothpaste is used and the baby or toddler swallows it, they may develop an upset stomach.

Ask your pediatrician.

Toothpaste for toddlers

  • At the age of 3 children learn to spit, hence the amount of toothpaste can be increased to the size of a pea.
  • Children below the age of 6 should brush under adult supervision and their spitting of toothpaste should be monitored as they still have a reflex towards swallowing whatever comes to their mouth.
  • If the kid swallows more than a pea amount of toothpaste continuously it might get an upset stomach.
  • Excess of fluoride can damage the teeth and the body functions and hence swallowing of toothpaste should be completely avoided
  • Supervising children while they brush and keeping toothpaste out of reach can help to avoid this.
  • Fluoride toothpaste is safe for older children with fully developed spit and swallow reflexes and adults.

What is high-fluoride toothpaste?

High fluoride toothpaste is for people with a heavy tooth decay and like any other medication they are prescribed by the dentist. This paste should not be used by other family members.

Do fluoride toothpastes have alternatives?

Toothpastes without fluoride are good substitutes for fluoride toothpastes, however, they can’t control tooth decay, which is why they are to be used more often to keep the teeth clean.

Fluoride toothpastes are mostly safe and safe to use by children and adults. But it’s important to use it in the right proportion. Extra care should be given when used by babies and young children.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is fluoride toothpaste safe for babies?

Yes. Fluoride toothpaste is safe for babies. However, parents should be careful and stick to the usage recommendations of experts. Children under the age of three should use only a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice, for brushing.

What is the best toothpaste for babies?

Toothpaste with fluoride is the best toothpaste for babies. It is important to maintain good oral health from the start, so as soon as the teeth start to erupt, you should use a soft toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste the size of a rice grain. Toothpaste without fluoride is also a good substitute.

Why avoid fluoride in toothpaste?

Parents avoid fluoride in kids' toothpaste as accidentally swallowing excess fluoride may lead to stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, and even intestinal blockage. If your child swallows large amounts of toothpaste regularly, excessive fluoride can damage tooth enamel, leading to dental fluorosis (stains on teeth). It would take a high dose to cause these side effects.

How to clean baby teeth naturally?

Before the baby’s teeth erupt, gently wipe the gums with a clean, damp cloth. Another method is to use a gauze, wrap it around your finger and wipe it on the gums. Once the teeth erupt, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and clean your gums and teeth twice. Avoid sugary drinks and do not give any drink other than water before bed to prevent decay.

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