1.   A smear or rice size of toothpaste can be used as soon the first tooth erupts if the child is at high risk for decay.

2.   Caution is advised when using fluoridated toothpaste for young children because they may swallow excessive amounts of toothpaste.

3.  When your child can spit out the excessive toothpast usually at age 2 years to 3 years old switch to a small pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

4.  Children younger than 6 years should use only a pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste.

5.   Check the fluoride content of toothpastes; almost all toothpastes manufactured in the United States provide topical fluoride, but not all natural toothpastes do.