first tooth to age 2
1000 ppm F
Amount: the size of a grain of rice (about 0.125 g, a thin smear)
A parent brushes, twice a day. Just wipe away the excess, no rinsing.
Mouthwash: no
For parents
How much paste, how much fluoride.
Short, and with sources. Everything on our tubes comes from European paediatric dentistry guidelines and the Croatian brushing standard.
By age
2 to 6 years
1000 ppm F
Amount: the size of a pea (about 0.25 g)
Your child brushes with you and you finish off. Spit, don’t rinse.
Mouthwash: no
6 years and up
1450 ppm F
Amount: from a pea up to the length of the brush head (0.5 to 1 g)
Your child brushes alone while you keep an eye on it, until at least age 7.
Mouthwash: yes, supervised
For ages 2 to 6, guidelines allow more than 1000 ppm for children at higher risk of cavities, as assessed by a dentist.
Twice a day, two minutes
In the morning after breakfast and at night before bed. A soft brush, small circles, 30 seconds for each part of the mouth. Then spit, without rinsing.
Frequently asked
When does my child need fluoride toothpaste?
From the first tooth. The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) recommends 1000 ppm fluoride paste from the first tooth, a smear the size of a grain of rice, twice a day.
Is fluoride-free toothpaste better?
European guidelines for children recommend fluoride toothpaste because it helps protect against cavities. What matters is the right amount for the age: a grain of rice under two, a pea from 2 to 6. If your child gets fluoride from other sources, ask a dentist.
How long should my child brush?
At least two minutes, twice a day, per the Croatian Institute of Public Health standard. Pip’s timer splits that into four 30-second zones.
Should they rinse after brushing?
No. Spit out the excess but don’t rinse with water, so the fluoride stays on the teeth for longer. For the youngest, just wipe away the excess.
From what age can a child use mouthwash?
From six, when they can reliably spit. Younger children may swallow it. Mouthwash does not replace brushing and is used at a different time of day, supervised.
Until when should a parent help?
Guidelines recommend a parent helps or supervises until at least age seven. A good rule: until your child can tie their own shoelaces, you finish off the brushing.
How often should we replace the brush?
Every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles splay. That is why the Pip toothbrush can arrive automatically every three months.
When is the first dental visit?
Between six months and the first birthday, then regular check-ups every six months.
Sources
- EAPD 2019, Fluoride guidelines (Toumba et al.)
- HZJZ, Standards for supervised toothbrushing (2019, Croatian)
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annex III
- NZZJZ PGŽ, parents’ leaflet (Croatian)
ORBITS is a cosmetics brand and does not give medical advice. For questions about your child’s teeth, see a dentist.