If your child is in a habit of using excess toothpaste then you need to stop him or her. According to a recent study, young children who use toothpaste more than required are at an increased risk of ‘dental fluorosis’ when they grow older.
Fluorosis is basically a condition that affects your teeth caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during the first 8 years of life. It must be noted that fluoride is a mineral, which is found in water and soil. More than 70 years ago, researchers had discovered that human beings whose drinking water had more fluoride naturally also had fewer cavities. And this led to the addition of fluoride to toothpaste, mouthwash, tap water and few other products.
Nevertheless, the study revealed that when teeth are in the forming stage, excess fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis or tooth streaking or spottiness.
The study also mentioned that although experts advise no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste – over 40 % children in the age group of 3 to 6 years used a brush that was full or at least half-full of toothpaste.
A pediatric dentist in Chicago, Mary Hayes told Daily Mail that “Fluoride is an amazing benefit but it must be used carefully”.
In order to conduct the study, scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention included parents of over 5,000 children aged 3 to 15 years.
Although the scientists did not determine as to how many children developed streaked or spotty teeth because of using too much toothpaste, they suggested kids less than 3 years are only supposed to use a smear of toothpaste - the size of rice grain, reported Daily Mail.
Children in the age group of 3 to 6 years must keep it to a pea-sized amount. Young kids may press for independence in brushing their teeth, but children’s toothpaste tastes sweet, as per the team. Pediatric dentist further said, "You don't want them eating toothpaste like food. We want the parents to be in charge of the toothpaste and toothbrush”.
