BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A study released by the CDC found that nearly 40% of children ages 3-6 are using too much toothpaste.

The CDC suggests that children ages 3 to 6 should be using a pea sized amount and that children under the age of 3 should be using a no more than a grain of rice sized portion.

The study found that when children use too much fluoride toothpaste it can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which causes teeth to become streaky and spotted in appearance. Something Dr. Abdul Alas of Five Star Dentistry has seen quite a lot of in his practice.

“With the fluorosis you notice the change of color on the enamel and you notice some spotting and some pitting on that enamel as well. A lot of times it goes unnoticed, but sometimes it does cause some issues and some sensitivity that we would have to deal with,” said Dr. Alas.

This excess use of fluoride toothpaste, coupled with the fluoride put in our tap water can cause a fluoride overdose.

“One of the main concerns we have with excessive fluoride is that it could be a neurotoxin. So it could accumulate in the nervous system,” explained Dr. Alas.

So what can parents do to keep their children’s teeth healthy?

Make sure your child is using the recommended amount of toothpaste at the right age.

“What we normally recommend for our parents with little children is not to use a fluoride toothpaste for anyone who’s below the age of 2. If the dental check-ups look good, it’s better to postpone the use of fluoride until a later age,” said Dr. Alas.

*See TV report and original article online at https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/health/cdc-children-are-using-too-much-toothpaste

Note from FAN:

See Toothpaste and Toothbrushing: a new report by the CDC and the many articles that have covered it.

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