HOW CAN WE AVOID A CAVITY? PART III: MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD BRUSHES Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is important for preventing cavities. Here's what you should know about brushing: Have your child brush at least two times per day Supervise young children when they brush For children aged 2 to 6, you put the toothpaste on the brush. Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it. Children under 6 tend to swallow much of the toothpaste on their brush. If children regularly consume higher- than-recommended amounts of fluoride during the teeth-forming years (age 8 and younger), their permanent teeth may develop white lines or flecks called dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is usually mild; in many cases, only a dental professional would notice it. (In children under age 2, dental experts recommend that you do not use fluoride toothpaste unless directed by a doctor or dentist.) Until they are 7 or 8 years old, you will need to help your child brush. Young children cannot get their teeth clean by themselves. Try brushing your child's teeth first, then let her finish. SM-CL2050125 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 HOW CAN WE AVOID A CAVITY ? PART III : MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD BRUSHES Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is important for preventing cavities . Here's what you should know about brushing : Have your child brush at least two times per day Supervise young children when they brush For children aged 2 to 6 , you put the toothpaste on the brush . Use only a pea - sized amount of fluoride toothpaste . Encourage your child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it . Children under 6 tend to swallow much of the toothpaste on their brush . If children regularly consume higher than - recommended amounts of fluoride during the teeth - forming years ( age 8 and younger ) , their permanent teeth may develop white lines or flecks called dental fluorosis . Fluorosis is usually mild ; in many cases , only a dental professional would notice it . ( In children under age 2 , dental experts recommend that you do not use fluoride toothpaste unless directed by a doctor or dentist . ) Until they are 7 or 8 years old , you will need to help your child brush . Young children cannot get their teeth clean by themselves . Try brushing your child's teeth first , then let her finish . SM - CL2050125 Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave. , Suite 130 , Downers Grove , IL 60515 630-663-0554