How to Teach Kids to Not Swallow Toothpaste

Spitting is typically an unacceptable habit that gets your child in trouble, but teeth brushing is one time when spitting is a necessity. If kids ingest too much fluoride when their permanent teeth are developing, it can cause discoloration in the teeth, according to the KidsHealth website. Swallowing a large of amount of fluoride toothpaste might result in stomach pain and even a possible intestinal blockage as well as vomiting and diarrhea, notes the MedlinePlus website. As such, it's important to keep toothpaste out of the reach of small children. Further, teaching your child to spit out the toothpaste when he's brushing limits the amount of fluoride he ingests so his pearly whites stay white.

Things You'll Need

  • Toothpaste
  • Cup

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the right toothpaste for the job. Toothpaste for kids comes in a variety of flavors, such as bubble gum and berry. While brushing with a flavored toothpaste is more pleasant than brushing with regular toothpaste, it might also encourage your child to swallow the paste. Choose a light mint flavor that won't appeal quite as much to your child. While very young children shouldn't use fluoride toothpaste, children over the age of 2 can use toothpaste with fluoride, according to the American Dental Association. Trainer toothpaste without fluoride is available. Using this type of toothpaste until your child gets the hang of spitting it out prevents him from swallowing too much fluoride.

    • 2

      Demonstrate how to spit out toothpaste. Allow your child to watch you brush your teeth, and then spit out the toothpaste. Explain to him that you didn't swallow while brushing.

    • 3

      Put only a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush so less is available to swallow. Use a dab no larger than the size of a pea. If your child swallows it, use an even smaller amount until he gets better at spitting.

    • 4

      Supervise your child when he brushes his teeth. Most young kids need help to brush their teeth well anyway. By staying close, you can guide your child so he remembers to spit instead of swallowing the toothpaste.

    • 5

      Make spitting out toothpaste a game by telling your child to aim toward the drain in the sink. Tell him he'll score points when he hits the target with the toothpaste that he spits out.

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