Anyone else notice their kids want to “eat” the fun flavored ones?
Definitely relate to this—my daughter’s obsessed with the strawberry flavor and tries to sneak a taste every time. I’ve always wondered if the novelty flavors make it harder for kids to see toothpaste as something functional, not food. We stuck with the rice-sized amount until she could spit, but I still double-check that she’s not swallowing. It’s tricky balancing effective fluoride exposure and not overdoing it. Sometimes I feel like I’m overthinking it, but the guidelines seem pretty consistent about less being more.
I get what you’re saying, but honestly, I don’t think the fun flavors are all bad. If bubblegum toothpaste is what finally convinced my son to brush without a full-on negotiation, I’ll take it. I mean, yeah, I keep an eye out so he’s not eating it like dessert, but if it gets them brushing, isn’t that half the battle? Sometimes I wonder if we stress too much about the “perfect” amount.
If bubblegum toothpaste is what finally convinced my son to brush without a full-on negotiation, I’ll take it.
Honestly, same here. I used to stress about the “pea-sized” rule, but after braces, I realized consistency matters more. I do a tiny smear for my little one—less mess, still gets the job done. If they’re brushing and not swallowing, that’s progress.
I’m with you—after years of braces and all that jazz, I care way more about my kid actually brushing than the exact amount of toothpaste. If a tiny smear keeps the sink cleaner and the tantrums down, I call that a win. Pea-sized, smear... as long as it’s not a gob, right?
We do the tiniest smear possible... like, barely-there. I know it’s supposed to be pea-sized, but my kid somehow manages to turn even a small dot into a full-on toothpaste explosion. I just get so anxious about him swallowing too much, especially since he’s still figuring out the whole “spit, don’t eat” thing. Sometimes I wonder if I’m being too cautious, but honestly, less mess and less stress wins every time for us.