#asktheexpert when to give babies toothpaste

A. You can start using toothpaste for your baby as soon as their first tooth appears, which usually happens around 6 months of age. Here are some guidelines: 1. **Use a Grain-of-Rice Size Amount**: For children under 3 years old, use only a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice. 2. **Choose a Baby-Friendly Toothpaste**: Look for toothpaste specifically designed for babies and toddlers, which is often less abrasive and has a milder flavor. 3. **Start with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush**: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush designed for infants. Brush your baby’s teeth twice a day, especially after the last feed at night. 4. **Teach Spitting**: Around age 3, you can start teaching your child to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it. At this stage, you can also increase the amount of toothpaste to a pea-sized amount. 5. **Supervise Brushing**: Continue to supervise your child’s brushing until they are about 7-8 years old to ensure they are doing it correctly and not swallowing the toothpaste. Regular dental hygiene is important to prevent early tooth decay. Additionally, it's a good idea to have your baby's first dental visit by their first birthday.