Expert warns of fluoride toothpaste use for toddlers

FLUORIDE toothpaste should never be used on children under two years of age, a dental expert has warned.

Professor Denis O’Mullane, of UCC, said while there were many positive aspects to fluoridation, only ordinary tap water and a brush should be used to clean the teeth of toddlers because the toothpaste, when swallowed, can result in teeth discolouration.

Prof O’Mullane, speaking at the Irish Science Teachers’ Association (ISTA) conference, said fluoridation had brought about an extraordinary improvement in dental health since it was introduced here almost 40 years ago.