Are Your Patients Exposed to Excessive Fluoride When Brushing Their Teeth?

Nearly 40% of children aged 3 to 6 years apply too much toothpaste.

Pediatric dental brushing recommendations are to initiate brushing at first tooth eruption (age range, 6–12 months), applying a rice grain–sized smear of fluoride toothpaste prior to 3 years and a pea-sized amount from age 3 to 6 years. CDC investigators examined 2013-1016 NHANES data from 5157 children (age range, 3-15 years) to assess timing of initiation and frequency of dental brushing as well as amount of toothpaste applied.

Brushing was initiated before age 1 year in 20% of children, at 1 year in 39%, and at ≥3 years in 14%. Among all participants, 60% brushed twice daily. Delayed initiation of brushing as well as excessive brushing (3–6 times daily) were associated with lower socioeconomic status, lower household education level, and …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Are Your Patients Exposed to Excessive Fluoride When Brushing Their Teeth?

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Reviewing Author