This depends on two factors: your child's ability to spit and your personal preference.

If your child still swallows most of their toothpaste, fluoride-free is the safer choice. Regular fluoride ingestion during early childhood can cause dental fluorosis, which results in permanent white spots or discoloration on permanent teeth that are developing under the gums. Our fluoride-free nHAP toothpastes provide excellent cavity protection without this risk.

If your child can reliably spit, you have more options. Some parents prefer fluoride because it is the traditional recommendation from dental associations. Others prefer nHAP because it provides similar cavity protection with additional enamel-rebuilding benefits and no fluorosis risk.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends discussing fluoride with your child's dentist, who can assess your child's specific cavity risk and local water fluoridation levels. In many cases, fluoride-free nHAP toothpaste provides excellent protection without the concerns associated with fluoride ingestion.

Yes, this is completely normal. Most children do not reliably spit until age 3-4, and some take even longer. Spitting requires coordination that 2-year-olds are still developing.

The key is choosing a toothpaste that is safe to swallow. Our Baby Foaming Pump Toothpaste and both 7% nHAP toothpastes, including the Fruit Flavor and Natural Plant Extracts versions, are all fluoride-free and safe if your child swallows them.

Continue practicing spitting with water, and your child will get there eventually. In the meantime, do not stress about it. Focus on getting a thorough brushing with a safe toothpaste.

Nano-hydroxyapatite is a synthetic form of the mineral that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel. When applied to teeth, nHAP particles fill microscopic fissures and weak spots, essentially "rebuilding" enamel at the molecular level. It also helps reduce sensitivity and makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.

nHAP has been used in toothpaste since the 1980s, first in Japan where it has been extensively studied and approved as an anti-cavity agent. In 2023, the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety confirmed that rod-shaped nHAP at concentrations up to 10% is safe for use in toothpaste.

For toddlers, nHAP is particularly appealing because it is completely safe to swallow. Unlike fluoride, there is no risk of fluorosis or toxicity from swallowing nHAP toothpaste. It is simply providing the same mineral that already makes up tooth structure.

For children ages 2-3, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. This is approximately the size of a green pea, small but visible.

Our pump dispensers make it easy to get the right amount. One full press gives you approximately a pea-sized portion. If your child has fewer teeth or you want to start smaller, a partial press works too.

The pea-sized guideline applies to all our toothpastes, though with our fluoride-free options, you have a bit more flexibility since there is no fluorosis risk from swallowing.

Resistance to brushing is extremely common at age 2. It is a normal part of toddler development and asserting independence. Here are strategies that work for many families:

Give choices: Let your child choose their toothpaste flavor or toothbrush. This small bit of control can reduce resistance.

Make it fun: Sing a brushing song, play a 2-minute video, or count teeth out loud. Anything that engages them helps.

Brush together: Let them watch you brush and imitate. Kids love doing what parents do.

Use a "buddy": Brush a stuffed animal's or doll's teeth first, then your child's.

Stay calm: If you get frustrated, your toddler will pick up on it and resist more. Take deep breaths and keep it light.

Be consistent: Same time, same place, same routine every day. Predictability helps toddlers accept necessary tasks.

Remember, this phase passes. Keep at it with patience and positivity.

No, adult toothpaste is not appropriate for 2-year-olds. There are several reasons:

Fluoride concentration: Adult toothpastes often contain higher fluoride levels than recommended for young children, increasing fluorosis risk when swallowed.

Harsh ingredients: Many adult toothpastes contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), strong whitening agents, or intense flavors that can irritate a toddler's sensitive mouth.

Flavor intensity: Mint and other adult flavors are often too strong for young children and can make them resistant to brushing.

Prime Tooth Care toothpastes are specifically formulated for children with appropriate ingredients, gentle formulas, and kid-friendly flavors. Using an age-appropriate toothpaste ensures both safety and effectiveness.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing, so if your 2-year-old has not been to the dentist yet, now is a great time to schedule that first visit.

If your child has already had their first dental visit, they should continue with checkups every 6 months or as recommended by their dentist. These regular visits help catch any issues early, get professional cleaning, and reinforce good oral hygiene habits.

The dentist can also assess your child's cavity risk and make personalized recommendations about toothpaste, including whether fluoride or fluoride-free is the better choice for your child's specific situation.

Both our 7% nHAP Fruit Flavor Toothpaste and 7% nHAP Natural Plant Extracts Toothpaste contain the same 7% concentration of nano-hydroxyapatite. The main differences are in the supporting ingredients and flavors:

7% nHAP Fruit Flavor: Features fun fruit flavors including Watermelon, Mango, Coconut, Peach, Blueberry, Hami Melon, and Strawberries that most kids find immediately appealing. Contains xylitol, aloe vera, stevia, and natural extracts like red dates and ginseng.

7% nHAP Natural Plant Extracts: Features more sophisticated herbal flavors including Lemon Balm & Green Apple and Tangerine, Grapefruit & Bergamot. Contains lemon balm extract with antiseptic properties, aloe vera, and a more botanical-focused formula.

Both are excellent choices. The fruit flavor version is often easier for picky toddlers to accept, while the natural plant extracts version appeals to parents who prefer herbal ingredients or have children who enjoy less sweet, more citrusy tastes.

It is very common for toddlers to want to eat toothpaste, especially when it tastes like fruit or bubble gum! Here is how to handle it:

With our fluoride-free toothpastes, including the Baby Foaming Pump, 7% nHAP Fruit Flavor, and 7% nHAP Natural Plant Extracts, swallowing is safe, so you do not need to panic if your child swallows toothpaste during brushing. However, you should still discourage them from treating it as a snack by keeping toothpaste out of reach between brushings.

With our fluoride toothpaste, which is the Fruit Flavor Pump, it is more important to minimize swallowing. Use only a pea-sized amount, supervise closely, and encourage spitting. If your child cannot resist swallowing, switch to a fluoride-free option until they are older.

To discourage "eating" toothpaste: Keep it stored up high, only bring it out at brushing time, and dispense the toothpaste yourself rather than letting your child handle the tube or pump.