Cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease (affecting 25 percent of kids by the time they enter kindergarten). To prevent them from happening in the first place, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all kids start using fluoride toothpaste when baby teeth start to push through. But since fluoride in large doses can be toxic or discolor developing teeth, you want to make sure they’re using the right amount (see guide at right).
How much toothpaste should your kid get?
- 3 and under: use a grain of rice-sized amount
- over 3: use a pea-sized amount
