Children
How much fluoride toothpaste should my child use?
Just a little. For under-threes, a thin smear the size of a grain of rice; from three to six, a pea-sized amount. Get them to spit rather than rinse, and supervise brushing so not much is swallowed.
The right amount by age
With children's toothpaste, a little goes a long way — and the amount is really the whole trick. For under-threes, use just a thin smear, about the size of a grain of rice. From three to six, you can bump it up to a pea-sized blob. Twice a day, with a soft brush, is the rhythm you're after.
Fluoride toothpaste is safe and a genuine shield against decay when it's used sensibly, so there's no need to avoid it — using the right small amount is exactly how you get the protection without the worry of too much being swallowed.
Spit, don't rinse — and supervise
Two small habits make a big difference. First, teach your child to spit out the extra toothpaste and not rinse with water afterwards — that thin film left behind keeps quietly protecting the enamel long after brushing. Second, hover over brushing time, because little hands can't clean thoroughly yet and it helps make sure not much paste is swallowed.
Do the brushing for them, or closely supervise it, until they can genuinely manage alone — usually well into primary school. A minute of supervision now really does save fillings later. If you'd like a hand getting the technique right, ask us at your child's next visit.
Common questions
Is fluoride toothpaste safe for young children?
Yes, when you use the right small amount — a smear for under-threes, a pea-sized blob from three to six. Supervising brushing and teaching them to spit keeps swallowing to a minimum.
Should my child rinse after brushing?
No — get them to spit out the extra and leave the rest. That thin film of fluoride keeps strengthening the enamel, and a mouthful of water washes it straight away.