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Pediatric Dentistry · single question

According to the ADA, what amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended for a child under 3 years of age?

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  1. A pea-sized amount
  2. A smear / grain-of-rice-sized amount
  3. A full-length ribbon across the brush
  4. No toothpaste; brush with water only
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Correct answer: B. A smear / grain-of-rice-sized amount

  • A. Pea-sized is the recommendation for children 3–6 years old, not under 3.
  • B. Correct. The ADA recommends a smear (grain-of-rice amount) from the first tooth eruption until age 3, then a pea-size amount from 3–6 years. This limits fluoride ingestion below 0.05 mg/kg/day while still preventing caries.
  • C. A full ribbon greatly exceeds safe fluoride exposure for young children and risks fluorosis.
  • D. The ADA no longer recommends water-only brushing; fluoride toothpaste (rice-grain smear) should start with the first tooth.

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