The Toothpaste Amount Is Smaller Than You Think
Canadian guidance uses age and cavity risk to decide on fluoride toothpaste for young children. Ask for a demonstration of the amount to use.
Under three: ask about cavity risk
The CDA advises brushing with water under age three unless a dental or health professional recommends fluoride toothpaste. For a child at risk of decay, its guidance describes a tiny, rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste. Ask for an individual recommendation at the first assessment.[1]
Ages three to six
The CDA recommends a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, with an adult helping and supervising. Teach your child to spit out the excess and avoid swallowing. A long stripe across the whole brush is unnecessary.[1]
Ask the dental team to show the amount on your child's brush. A picture of the tube can help them check what product you are using. Keep toothpaste out of reach between brushing sessions so a child cannot help themselves to more.
If flavour, foam or spitting makes brushing difficult, describe that specifically. Get advice about an appropriate product and technique rather than simply abandoning cleaning. The plan should fit your child's age, skills and risk, not the marketing age printed most prominently on the package.