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When should my kid start using toothpaste?

As soon as she turns one year old. It is important to allow her newly erupted teeth to mature in the presence of fluoride and become resistant to tooth decay.

Start using a very small amount of toothpaste with 1,000ppm fluoride twice daily until she gets used to it. Studies have shown that it is safe to swallow a smear of toothpaste the size of a rice grain for children below three years old. Those above three years should use a pea-size amount.

If you’re afraid she might swallow too much, treat it like any medicine. Dispense the correct amount of toothpaste for her and don’t let her help herself to it. You can also wipe away any excess in the mouth with a towel, instead of getting her to rinse after brushing.