When to Use "Big Boy" Toothpaste?

My daughter was a little over 3 I think. She's 4 now. She loved swallowing the toddler toothpaste too. We talked a lot about how big kids use big kids toothpaste because they spit it in the sink. I pointed out that the older kids she knew did this. It seemed like she would never master this. We'd walk by the toothpaste section at Target and I'd point out the Disney Princess toothpaste which was for big kids who spit their toothpaste out when they brushed. "Don't worry T. When you are ready to spit out the toothpaste we'll buy the big kid kind." One day we were in Target and she said out of the blue, "Mommy, I'm ready to start spitting out my toothpaste." So we bought the big kid kind and she's done great with it ever since.

My son is 28 months and just had his first dentist visit. The dentist recommended that we start having him brush with fluoride toothpaste. My son had never been a successful spitter either. I had my doubts but after two nights he had it down. Just keep talking him through it, keep reminding him to spit and not swallow. When he spit and nothing came out I said where is the spit? Did you swallow it? He caught on quickly and enjoyed the praise. After about a week we introduced the cup to rinse with, this was very fun for him (and messy). I think that the other toothpaste doesn't foam, there isn't much to spit, not sure but one thing is for sure, boys like to spit! So I guess my point is talk him through it, don't try to brush your own teeth at the same time- it will be too distracting and instead try to make it all about him. (Every night after he brushes his teeth he now runs to show which ever parent wasn't there with him how nice his teeth look.) Good luck!

We all use fluoride free toothpaste that is safe to swallow. Look into the research on fluoride, even in adults. If you want to switch over to a safer, natural, AFFORDABLE brand of toiletries, household cleaners, vitamins, etc. let me know and I can help you make the switch!

Our daughter 5 in may has been using fluoride toothpaste since she was about 4 years old. Our son 3 in a few weeks still uses non-fluoride toothpaste

The tiny bit of regular toothpaste that goes on the toothbrush isn't enough to hurt your child. It should just be enough to flavor the toothbrush. Not even as big as a small pea. Tiny, tiny, tiny. Keep using the training toothpasteuntil you are ready. Keep working with him to swish and spit. It really isn't important to switch at any given time to flouridated toothpaste. There is flouride in the water and if you are concerned then you can use baby water for the childs drinking water, we bought it at Wal_mart in the water department and used it for all bottles and just mixed the powder in.

There isn't a problem with your son. He is 2. He is learning to brush his teeth. Let him learn on toothpaste that tastes like bubblegum for a while. My son is 5 and still doesn't like the minty flavor of "older kid' toothpaste. So he likes the watermelon flavor. Oh well, at least he is brushing. Don't force him, just embrace that you have a 2 year old that likes to brush his teeth!

Dont chance it...if you have the slighest question in your mind, dont get regular toothpaste. There is a reason why they say "harmful if swallowed"....they just loose those baby teeth anyway. Just knocking the food out should be good enough.

Mag :)

I think my daughter was almost 3. My son is 22 months and still uses the Orajel. I am in no hurry to get him to move up. They have to be old enough to understand the spitting thing and old enough to follow directions. Just practice with him now, and when you think he isn't swallowing anymore, you can switch him. My son was recently adopted from China and will have language issues as well, and therefore will take quite a bit longer before he understands everything the way my daughter did. So he may be older than 3 when he switches, but I'm not worried.

While my two were still using the toddler toothpaste, we practiced the art of spitting. Because the toddler stuff doesn't foam, it's rather hard to work up a mouthful to spit, so I grabbed one of the medicine measure cups (like the one that comes with Children's Tylenol or Motrin), and I'd fill it about halfway, hand it to her, and as she'd put it up to her mouth, I'd tell her, "keep the water in your mouth . . . hold it. . . hold it. . . okay, now: spit it in the sink!!!" Both my girls LOVED this game!!

Sometimes we would add swishing to the practice sessions, and when they got pretty proficient at not -drinking- the water, I gave them a shot at the flouride toothpaste. I think they each swallowed it once or twice, but quickly got the hang of it.

Best wishes,
M.

If you go to the health food store, and get "Tom's" Natural toothpaste it has no flouride, and no sugars in it. It's all natural so if he does swallow he isn't getting the harmful chemicals. My grandson is 2 yrs. old, and he loves the strawberry flavor. It's very economical, because it last forever since you only use an amount the size of a green pea. It has really been a good thing for him!

All the best! Hope this helps. :O))

Grandmommy, in Houston TX.

I would check with your dentist, if he hasn't been already he needs to go. Our dentist started our child(ren) at about 4 1/2 years old.

Just keep practicing the spitting and when you are comfortable that he is spitting most of it out, then you can switch him. My son is almost 22 months and doesn't even try to spit in the sink. I wouldn't worry too much about it. The age on the toothpaste is just a guideline. My daughter had it down pat by that age, but she is way advanced in everything. My son is more on a normal timeline, so we'll switch him when he's ready. There really isn't a rush to do it, so just wait until he's ready....you'll know.

Hi Jess,

Never let a child put anything in their mouth that is not safe to swallow. It's a recipe for disaster. See http://www.fluoride-history.de/kennerly.htm the Fluoride Deception is actually a good book to read as well if you want more information.

My family uses "adult" toothpaste but it is safe to swallow because it does not contain fluoride. Fluoride is way overrated in preventing cavities. It can actually cause fluorosis and too much can actually damage teeth. I have two daughters 14 and 17 and they have never used fluoride and they have never had any cavities. I on the other hand grew up when they first started putting fluoride in the water and my mouth if full of fillings....

Hope I helped...

M.

Probably around 2 and a half. When they learn to swish and spit they can start using it.