When to introduce toothpaste??

[Charlyfrog]

Just wondering when the right time is to introduce toothpaste into the teeth brushing routine....how old should a toddler be??

Also, what toothpaste to use - are there special toddler brands??

Thanks heaps!

[Angel]

2 years is the recommended age (or at least that's what I was told last time we saw the CHN), and there are special 'first toothpastes' that you can buy at the shops - just have a look and it'll say on the box. You only need to use a tiny smear of it on the brush. I've read that some people have started using toothpaste a little bit earlier but I assume that'd be with a non-fluoridated toothpaste as one of the concerns is that bub will swallow the toothpaste and ingesting too much fluoride isn't a good thing. HTH.

[Panna]

I worked at a dental hospital in the paediatric department as a dental nurse before I had DS and we always recomended introducing toothpaste when the child has learnt to spit out. Usually around the age of two but it varys (like everything) for each child. That is important so they don't swallow too much flouride, also the reason you use a low flouride/childs toothpaste. You definatly only need a smear, even for adults only a pea size amount. The toothpaste is only really there for the flouride and fresh breath. The cleaning is in the brushwork.

[Charlyfrog]

Woah Caro!! Thanks so much for all that info!! And so great to hear from a dental nurse Panna - very handy!! Thank you!!

And to everyone, thanks for your thoughts!!

Now to teach DD not to swallow the toothpaste.....could be interesting as she even thinks panadol is fab!! (Nooooooo!! We don't use it very much at all but when we have her comments have been, "mmm pan-dol" or worse "yummo!" :eek: )

Might get a special rinse cup for her........

Thanks again!

[christy]

LOL Charlyfrog, Matilda falls down & runs inside & says "Panadol please mummy, owie" Grrrr... and she loves eating toothpaste as well. I have been teaching her to smear it on the toothbrush using her just washed hands... and rinsing but I'm positive most of it goes down her. Luckily there isn't much.

[Charlyfrog]

Oh Christy!! That's so funny!! And thanks for making me go *phew*!! re: the panadol thing!! There I was thinking I was somehow unwittingly creating an addict!! LOL!!!