Starting with eruption of the first tooth, which brushing guideline is recommended?

• A. Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste and brush twice daily
• B. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush twice daily
• C. Wait until age 3 to brush
• D. Brush only with water and no toothpaste

Answer: (A)

Starting with the eruption of the first tooth, the goal is to provide fluoride protection in a very smallAmount that the child can’t swallow. A smear of fluoride toothpaste delivers enough fluoride to strengthen the newly erupted enamel while minimizing ingestion risks. Brushing twice daily keeps enamel protected during the early years when teeth are most vulnerable to decay. Using a pea-sized amount is reserved for older children who can spit more effectively and when more teeth are present, and waiting until age three would miss a crucial window for preventing early decay. Brushing with just water offers no fluoride protection, so it doesn’t help prevent caries.