Fluoride Toothpaste Should be Given to Babies – When First Tooth Appears.

Previously, the American Dental Association had recommended kids younger than two years old have their teeth brushed with water, before moving onto a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste through the time they’re six years old. Now, the ADA says go ahead and give your baby fluoride toothpaste that is about the size of a grain of rice once that first tooth comes in.

This recommended change comes after a new review published in the February issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association found that brushing with fluoride toothpaste had statistically significant benefits on preventing decay and cavities. The new guidance says kids younger than three should just get a “smear” of toothpaste before graduating to a pea-sized amount when three to six years old to prevent cavities and avoid fluorosis. Kids should spit out the toothpaste as soon as they are old enough to do so.