How Much Toothpaste Should Kids Use? A Guide for Every Age

When it comes to brushing your child’s teeth, using the right amount of toothpaste is just as important as brushing technique. Too much toothpaste can be harmful, while too little may not clean their teeth effectively. Knowing how much toothpaste your child should be using at each stage of their development is key to promoting good oral health. In this guide, we’ll break down the safe amounts of fluoride toothpaste for different age groups, as well as some tips for making brushing a fun and effective routine.

Babies and Toddlers (0-2 Years)

For babies and toddlers, the priority is introducing them to the habit of brushing while ensuring their safety with fluoride toothpaste.
How much toothpaste? A smear (size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste is all that's needed for babies and toddlers.
Why this amount? At this stage, your child is still learning how to spit out toothpaste, and swallowing too much fluoride can be harmful. A tiny amount ensures their teeth are cleaned without the risks of overexposure to fluoride.
Additional tips: Brush their teeth twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid using fluoride toothpaste until your child is old enough to spit it out—usually around age 2.

Preschoolers (2-5 Years)

Once your child is old enough to start spitting out toothpaste, you can use a slightly larger amount of toothpaste.
How much toothpaste? A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Why this amount? At this stage, your child is brushing more effectively, and a pea-sized amount is enough to clean their teeth while minimising the risk of swallowing excess fluoride.
Additional tips: Supervise your child while they brush to ensure they are using the right amount of toothpaste and brushing correctly. Teach them to spit out the toothpaste once they’re done brushing to avoid swallowing it.

Older Kids (6+ Years)

By the time your child reaches school age, they should be brushing independently but still need supervision to make sure they’re brushing properly.
How much toothpaste? A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is still appropriate for children aged 6 and up.
Why this amount? Even at this age, children may still swallow small amounts of toothpaste, so it’s important to stick with a safe amount while continuing to encourage good brushing habits.
Additional tips: Encourage your child to brush for two minutes, twice a day, focusing on all areas of their teeth, including the back molars. Make brushing a fun habit by letting them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste flavour.

Teens (12+ Years)

By adolescence, your child should have mastered brushing and spitting out toothpaste. At this stage, they are ready for a more typical adult-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
How much toothpaste? A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is still appropriate for teens.
Why this amount? Even though teens are capable of brushing more effectively, the pea-sized amount is still the standard recommendation to ensure they don’t use excess toothpaste, which can contribute to dental fluorosis or other issues.
Additional tips: Encourage your teen to brush regularly and keep up with their oral hygiene routine, especially as they may become more independent with their oral care.

Fluoride Toothpaste: Why It’s Important

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that plays an essential role in protecting your child’s teeth from cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. However, it’s crucial to use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste to ensure its benefits while avoiding the risks of overexposure, such as dental fluorosis (a condition that affects the appearance of teeth). For children under 6 years old, it’s particularly important to monitor fluoride use and to limit the amount swallowed. That’s why the recommendations for toothpaste amounts are smaller for younger kids.

Final Thoughts

Using the right amount of toothpaste is an important step in keeping your child’s teeth clean and healthy. From a tiny smear for babies to a pea-sized amount for older kids and teens, this guide ensures you’re following the best practices for each age group. Remember, the goal is not just to clean their teeth, but to help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime! Do you have any questions or tips about kids' oral care? Share your thoughts in the comments below!