Fluoride Toothpaste for All Children

The ADA now recommends using a smear for children from first eruption to age 3 years and a pea-sized amount from ages 3 to 6 years.

Sponsoring Organization: American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs

Target Population: Pediatric clinicians, dentists

What's Changed

Previously, the ADA recommended brushing with water in children <2 years, and then a pea-sized amount of toothpaste in children from ages 2 to 6 years. The ADA now recommends brushing twice daily from first tooth eruption to age 3 years using a rice grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (0.2 mg fluoride/day) and from age 3 to 6 years, using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (0.5 mg fluoride/day).

Background and Objective

Children younger than 6 years usually swallow most of their toothpaste when brushing their teeth. To discourage excessive fluoride ingestion and lower risk for dent…

Reviewing Author

Cornelius W. Van Niel, MD

Disclosures

EquityMedtronic; Express Scripts; Johnson & Johnson; Merck