Researchers have reached the conclusion that nearly half of all children use too much toothpaste.

The fact that children are, in face, brushing their teeth regularly is a good thing and more and more are doing so.

However, using too much toothpaste can cause some problems down the road.Most children use fluoridated toothpaste as most dentists and hygienists recommend it to help reduce the rates of cavities.

However, we usually recommend a pea-sized dollop of toothpaste, not a full load across the entire brush as sometimes depicted in television ads.

When combined with the typically fluoridated water in most major cities and high levels of naturally-occurring fluoride in many other parts of the country, swallowing too much toothpaste can easily result in fluorosis — too much fluoride which stains the teeth.

Primarily a cosmetic concern, this can also result in irregular enamel surfaces.

So, make sure to ask our hygienist or dentist next time you visit if you have any questions about the proper amount of toothpaste your child should be using.