3 and a half year old swallowing toothpaste

[Peanuts33]

I can't get my son to stop swallowing the toothpaste when he brushes his teeth. He is using the toothpaste for a 2 to 6 year old so not sure if this has flouride in it or not. I've tried everything to get him to spit it out after he has finished brushing but he keeps swallowing it and I'm worried that it is dangerous.

Any tips?

[gigglewitch]

it's not dangerous. They're pretty much expected to swallow it at their age, face it - what three, four, five year old doesn't eat it
Ration them to a pea-sized amount well pressed into their toothbrush Not an expert, just got three smallish dc!!

[stillenacht]

Not dangerous - my 6 year old who has severe autism still swallows it - he doesn't understand what 'spit it out' means despite me showing him everyday for the last 5 years! Don't worry about it

[EldonAve]

it's fine if they swallow the small amount used for brushing

large amounts can be poisonous and will generally make them puke

[Peanuts33]

Thanks everyone. That has put my mind at rest.

[purpleduck]

flouride is not meant to be ingested.

You can buy flouride free stuff - they have it in Health food shops

[purpleduck]

flouride is not meant to be ingested.

You can buy flouride free stuff - they have it in Health food shops

[purpleduck]

oops