As children learn to care for themselves, they develop new habits that we often overlook. Teaching your child how to brush their teeth can be tricky, particularly when they confuse toothpaste with food. If your child consumes toothpaste, it can lead to stressful questions: What happens if my child ingests toothpaste? Will a trip to the emergency room be necessary? Is swallowing toothpaste dangerous? Luckily, swallowing a small amount is generally not a cause for concern, but it's important to understand the risks associated with consuming larger quantities.

Let’s take a closer look at what occurs when your child swallows or ingests toothpaste, what steps to take if it happens, and strategies to prevent it.

What happens if my child swallows toothpaste?

The harm done on swallowing toothpaste varies based on the type and quantity of toothpaste. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, if your child ingests non-fluoride toothpaste, it's usually not a reason for alarm since these types are typically non-toxic. However, if your child consumes toothpaste that contains fluoride—a key ingredient for cavity prevention—the level ingested will determine whether medical attention is required.

What is reassuring is that, as stated by the American Dental Association, if your child swallows the recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste (about a rice grain-sized portion), there's no need for concern, especially when supervised. This amount is insufficient to cause toxic effects. Nonetheless, the National Capital Poison Center notes that ingesting a larger quantity of fluoride toothpaste may lead to mild symptoms such as an upset stomach.

What to do if your child swallows toothpaste

If your child swallows toothpaste, it’s important to stay calm. Here’s what you can do:

1. Small Amounts: If the amount swallowed is small, your child might only experience a mild stomach ache. You can offer water or a snack high in calcium, like milk or yogurt, to help ease discomfort. Calcium can help bind with fluoride.
2. Large Amounts: If your child swallows a large quantity, avoid taking drastic actions such as inducing vomiting. Instead, contact your local poison control center for advice from experts. They will guide you on whether home remedies are enough or if medical attention is necessary.

Tips to prevent your child from eating toothpaste

1. Supervise Usage: Apply the right amount of toothpaste onto their toothbrush yourself. This way, you know how much they’re using. Store toothpaste out of reach when not in use.
2. Encourage Spitting and Rinsing: Teach your child to spit out toothpaste after brushing and rinse with water to remove any residue. This helps reinforce that toothpaste isn’t meant to be eaten.
3. Choose the Right Flavor: Consider switching to a mint-flavored toothpaste for older children, as it might deter them from eating it. Be cautious with younger kids, who might find strong flavors unappealing.
4. Brush Together: Brush your teeth alongside your child to model good habits. Show them how to brush for two minutes, hold the toothbrush correctly, brush their tongue, and spit out the toothpaste.
5. Be Patient: Understand that the desire to eat toothpaste may be a phase. Remind them that toothpaste isn’t a snack and supervise their brushing routine.

If a large amount of toothpaste is consumed, contact the emergency hotline on the toothpaste tube or a poison control center immediately. By monitoring their toothpaste use and brushing with them, you can help your child develop safe and healthy oral hygiene habits.