»

Fluoride/Non-Fluoride Toothpaste Recommendations

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 12:19 PM

Dental Health Fact Sheet

 

Download PDF of Fact Sheet

• Clean your child’s teeth as soon as they appear in the mouth. Use a small, soft toothbrush (it may be further softened by running it under hot water).
   
• Check with dental staff of the Children’s Services Department, for elevated fluoride levels in drinking water.
   
• Those using private wells must check their fluoride levels.
   
• If the fluoride level (naturally occurring) in the water is over 1.5 mg/L (ppm), continue to use a non-fluoride toothpaste until the child is 7 years old.
   
• Use non-fluoride toothpaste, or no toothpaste, until the child is 2 years old unless advised by a dental professional.
   
• Beginning at the age of 2 use fluoride toothpaste but only 2 times per day.
  
• Brushing should take 2 minutes. ("2 for 2"- Brush at least twice daily for 2 minutes each time).
   
• Always use a pea sized amount of toothpaste or smear.
   
• Teeth may be cleaned more frequently than 2 times without fluoride toothpaste.
   
• Dental staff suggests that parents dispense the toothpaste and supervise or do the brushing until the child is 7 years old.
   
• Children should not swallow toothpaste. Spit out excess toothpaste and rinse well after brushing.
   
• If children under 6 years of age swallow too much fluoride, their permanent teeth may develop some white spots (fluorosis).

Non-Fluoride Toothpastes

These may be hard to find and are more expensive. Health food stores generally have non-fluoride toothpastes. Larger pharmacies may carry some brands (e.g. Early Years, Kidz Pre Step, Tom’s of Maine).

Dental Visits

Children’s dental specialists suggest children visit the dentist by one year of age to ensure there are good dental habits and to check for problems. Regular dental visits (at least yearly) should continue after that.

Dated: September 25, 2007 

Related Links:

Fluoride Supplements

Elevated Fluoride Levels in Water