After brushing your teeth for two minutes, parents and children (above age 5) alike should spit the toothpaste out of their mouth and NOT rinse with water. The primary benefit of toothpaste is the fluoride it contains. Therefore, it is NOT recommended to rinse with water directly following tooth brushing. Rinsing immediately removes the fluoride from your saliva and thus the beneficial properties fluoride offers: strengthening the enamel thus minimizing cavity risk and decreasing tooth sensitivity. Starting at birth, clean your infant’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth. As the teeth begin to erupt (at about 6-8 months), begin using a “smear” amount of fluoride toothpaste on the toothbrush and brush twice daily. For the 2-5 years old, dispense a “pea-sized” amount of fluoride toothpaste and continue to assist with your child’s brushing. (Most children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively.) It is expected most children under the age of 5 will swallow the toothpaste. As long as the guidelines for toothpaste usage are followed, the developing permanent teeth will benefit from the fluoride ingestion.

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