How to get then to spit toothpaste out?

When I took my LO to the dentist he said I don’t have to worry about her spitting out the toothpaste just now

I don’t bother because I use only a very little amount. I don’t think they understand to spit out yet.

I work in dentistry, children can’t spit til they’re about 3. We recommend just a smear of toothpaste until then x

I use fluoride free toothpaste

@vicky do you still recommend fluoride toothpaste or fluoride free?

@Cara always fluoride! It massively protects against tooth decay. We see a huge number of children with decay because they aren’t having fluoride toothpaste x

@Cara Potential downsides of fluoride include fluorosis, an increased risk of osteosarcoma, and impaired brain development in infants and children.

all of the studies regarding risks of osteosarcoma and impaired brain development are inconclusive and also based on children consuming excessive levels of fluoride from drinking water. Most areas of the uk don’t have fluoride added to the water ( there is naturally low levels of fluoride in the water) and those that do have low, safe levels. Most of the world’s major health authorities recommend fluoride toothpaste as the risk to children needing a general anaesthetic is much, much greater than any possible adverse effects from fluoride toothpastes. Regarding fluorosis, the risk again is low when parents follow the guidelines recommended for toothpaste use. Most cases of fluorosis present as white marks on the teeth which are purely cosmetic. I’d prefer this for my child than tooth decay that can lead to pain, infection and trauma to her from needing teeth out.