There’s nothing like realizing it’s National Children’s Dental Health Month to get your attention centered on reviewing the care your children are receiving. When you’re feeling a little uncertain about particulars of oral health care for your child, it can feel somewhat unnerving. Particularly when those questions seem like things you should already know, you might find yourself hesitating to ask. In honor of this month of recognition, we offer answers to frequent questions we hear from parents. Remember, your children’s dentist is always happy to answer anything you need to know.

Questions and Answers

Question: Is it safe to use toothpaste on my child’s teeth before the age of 3? This makes me nervous!

Answer: Of course, it is safe to brush your child’s teeth with fluoridated toothpaste! It’s just important that you don’t use too much. Your children’s dentist suggests a tiny dab (about the size of a single grain of rice) for safe care.

Question: What about once my child gets a bit older? Do children start using a “pea size” amount like Mom and Dad do?

Answer: You got it! Your children’s dentist suggests adding a bit more toothpaste to the brush once your child is over the age of three! This means that just like Mom and Dad, a pea-size dollop of paste is just right for effective care.

Question: What happens if my child swallows a tiny bit of toothpaste? Teaching my kid to spit it out is taking a little bit of time.

Answer: It’s wonderful that you’re reminding your little one that the toothpaste belongs in the sink, not in his or her stomach! As long as your child swallows no more than the recommended amount of paste, all is well. (Otherwise, contact poison control ASAP).

Riverside Dental Group and Dental Associate Offices Serves a Community Near You!

Our dentists look forward to caring for you and every member of your family with a comprehensive selection of services. We will maintain and improve your oral health with a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, restorative, implant, and emergency dentistry techniques. We also specialize in endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and orthodontics, serving patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.