Have you ever noticed the warning on toothpastes?
"Do not swallow. Rinse with a small amount of water."
This week's blog comes from a question being asked about a child who didn't spit out their toothpaste after brushing but there are some adults who do not spit out their toothpaste and even children who eat toothpaste directly from the tube.
So lets have a look at why you shouldn't swallow toothpaste.
Why can't we swallow toothpaste?
The warning "Do Not Swallow" appears on all toothpastes that contain Fluoride.
In Brisbane we are all exposed to small amounts on fluoride in our drinking water and this fluoride can be consumed safely. The problem comes about when larger amounts of fluoride are consumed when swallowing toothpaste after brushing.
Toothpastes are designed to apply fluoride to our teeth not to be swallowed.
In Brisbane we are all exposed to small amounts on fluoride in our drinking water and this fluoride can be consumed safely. The problem comes about when larger amounts of fluoride are consumed when swallowing toothpaste after brushing.
Toothpastes are designed to apply fluoride to our teeth not to be swallowed.
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HOW MUCH FLUORIDE DO I GET? Fluoride in Brisbane Water - 0.8ppm Fluoride in Toodler Toothpaste - 500ppm Fluoride in Adult Toothpaste - 1000-5000ppm |
Toothpaste that is swallowed can lead to a spike in blood levels of Fluoride, these high levels of fluoride can cause permanent damage to our teeth.
This is especially important for children up to 8 years old as this is when their adult teeth are developing.
This is especially important for children up to 8 years old as this is when their adult teeth are developing.
What damage is done by swallowing toothpaste?
I do not want to send you running to the hospital every time you or your child swallows toothpaste.
If it happens occasionally it is fine, but done twice a day every day will cause damage.
High levels of fluoride in the blood can lead to a condition called Fluorosis.
Fluorosis is a defect in the tooth enamel where white lines appear on the teeth and these white lines are permanent.
In severe cases the teeth become chalky and can begin to crumble (Severe cases are rare in Australia)
If it happens occasionally it is fine, but done twice a day every day will cause damage.
High levels of fluoride in the blood can lead to a condition called Fluorosis.
Fluorosis is a defect in the tooth enamel where white lines appear on the teeth and these white lines are permanent.
In severe cases the teeth become chalky and can begin to crumble (Severe cases are rare in Australia)
What is the solution?
I can already hear people thinking - if it is fluoride that is the problem then I will find a toothpaste without Fluoride and avoid the problem all together as I already get fluoride in our drinking water.
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FLUORIDE IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR DENTAL HEALTH It helps prevent cavities Strengthens tooth enamel It reverses the early stages of tooth decay Slows the activity of bacteria that cause tooth decay |
Fluoride in our water is helping prevent dental decay by 20 to 40%, but twice daily application when you brush your teeth is even better at preventing dental problems.
This is especially important if you are still learning how to brush your teeth and are not very good yet.
Fluoride toothpaste is still recommended for every age group over 18 months, the key is to use it safely.
This is especially important if you are still learning how to brush your teeth and are not very good yet.
Fluoride toothpaste is still recommended for every age group over 18 months, the key is to use it safely.
Great Ideas for showing kids how to brush?
Brush your teeth with your kids, show them what you do when brushing including spitting out your toothpaste at the end.
(They love doing anything that you are doing)
Ensure that you are using age appropriate toothpastes for your children.
The toothpastes for toddlers has only a tiny amount of fluoride in it so if they do swallow it, it will cause a very small spike in blood fluoride levels and so will cause less damage.
As children get older the concentration of fluoride increases as they are becoming more capable of spitting out their toothpaste.
It is also important to supervise your children when they are brushing their teeth, not only to see if they are doing a decent job, but also so that no other wild behaviour such as eating toothpaste is going on.
(They love doing anything that you are doing)
Ensure that you are using age appropriate toothpastes for your children.
The toothpastes for toddlers has only a tiny amount of fluoride in it so if they do swallow it, it will cause a very small spike in blood fluoride levels and so will cause less damage.
As children get older the concentration of fluoride increases as they are becoming more capable of spitting out their toothpaste.
It is also important to supervise your children when they are brushing their teeth, not only to see if they are doing a decent job, but also so that no other wild behaviour such as eating toothpaste is going on.
Conclusion
Make sure you are using a Fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
Ensure you spit out your toothpaste and rinse with a small amount of water when you have finished.
Ensure that the toothpaste you select is age appropriate for each person in the family.
Supervise your children to make sure they are using the correct amount and that they are spitting out their toothpaste.
Ensure you spit out your toothpaste and rinse with a small amount of water when you have finished.
Ensure that the toothpaste you select is age appropriate for each person in the family.
Supervise your children to make sure they are using the correct amount and that they are spitting out their toothpaste.
If you have any further questions regarding looking after your teeth or any other dental question please give us a call or send us a message, we would love to help.