A pilot study of preschoolers' use of regular-flavored dentifrices and those flavored for children

Ingestion of fluoride dentifrice by preschool children recently has been implicated as a risk factor for dental fluorosis. The availability of dentifrices flavored for children could increase fluoride ingestion by young children at risk for dental fluorosis. This article reports results of a pilot study of use of regular-flavored dentifrice and those flavored for children among 29 preschool children. Using a crossover design, larger quantities of fluoride dentifrice specially flavored for children were used compared with the quantities of regular-flavored dentifrice. Pediatric dentists and other health care providers should advise parents to supervise preschoolers' toothbrushing. Preschoolers should use only small, pea-sized quantities of dentifrice to avoid increased risks of dental fluorosis.