#asktheexpert

while brushing his teeth, he does6spit out the toothpaste. infact he swallows it. is it ok???

He use Colgate baby tooth paste

Question

#asktheexpert

while brushing his teeth, he does6spit out the toothpaste. infact he swallows it. is it ok???

He use Colgate baby tooth paste

Accepted Answer

It’s common for young children to accidentally swallow toothpaste while brushing their teeth, especially if they're still learning the process. However, it's important to monitor the amount of toothpaste they swallow, as fluoride (found in most toothpaste) can be harmful in large quantities if ingested regularly.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Use a Pea-sized Amount:

For a 3-year-old, it’s best to use a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea) to minimize ingestion.

2. Supervise Brushing:

Always supervise your child while brushing their teeth. Teach them to spit out the toothpaste after brushing. If they’re not able to do so yet, it’s okay to gently help them or encourage them to spit when they can.

3. Use a Non-fluoridated Toothpaste (Optional):

For very young children, you can use non-fluoridated toothpaste that is safe to swallow until they learn to spit properly. Once they’re better at spitting and more responsible with brushing, you can transition to fluoridated toothpaste.

4. Encourage Spitting:

Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out after brushing. You can make this fun by telling them that it’s a part of being a "big kid."

5. Keep the Toothpaste Away from Reach:

Ensure the toothpaste is stored safely and only used when you are present. This helps avoid your child accidentally swallowing it outside of brushing time.

If Your Child Swallows Toothpaste:

Occasional small amounts are usually not harmful, but if your child ingests a large amount, you should contact a poison control center or a doctor to be safe.

In general, occasional swallowing of toothpaste in small amounts is okay, but consistent swallowing should be avoided.