What Happens if Kids Swallow Toothpaste Every Day?

Can you overdose on toothpaste?

It protects your teeth, but could it also make you sick? Image by StockSnap from Pixabay.

My kid swallows toothpaste. Admittedly, he’s a toddler and doesn’t understand that it’s meant to be spat out. I’m just glad that I can get him to brush his teeth without argument.

But is he putting his health at risk? While I protect his teeth by brushing every evening, am I harming him by not rinsing it out of his mouth?

Searching the literature for risks of swallowing toothpaste turns up several articles, but many of them are focused on acute overdoses. Few discuss the risks of long-term mild exposure.

Some ingredients pose more risk than others.

What are the common components of toothpaste?

There are a ton of different toothpaste options on the market, each with their own list of ingredients. Most contain a blend of ingredients that fall into five categories:

1. Fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that binds to, and strengthens, the calcium structure of teeth. It may also help influence the oral (mouth) microbiome!
2. Abrasives. There are many different abrasives available, but these are the gritty ingredients that help actually “scrub” dirt off your teeth.
3. Flavoring. Usually…