What amount of toothpaste should be placed on the toothbrush for children 2 years old and over?

• A. No toothpaste
• B. Small smear
• C. Pea-sized
• D. Dime-sized

Answer: (C)

A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is the best choice for a child who is 2 years old or older because it provides enough fluoride to help prevent decay while minimizing the amount swallowed. Fluoride acts on the enamel to reinforce mineral content and resist acid attacks, but young children often swallow toothpaste during brushing. Using too much toothpaste increases fluoride ingestion, which raises the risk of dental fluorosis during tooth development. Keeping the amount small and ensuring the child spits out the paste (and doesn’t rinse excessively) lets the fluoride stay on the teeth where it can work best. Supervise brushing to help the child learn to use only a small amount and to spit rather than swallow.