For fluoride toothpaste, what amount is advised for children aged 3–6 years?

• A. Rice grain-sized
• B. Two pea-sized amounts
• C. A pea-sized amount
• D. A full smear

Answer: (C)

Balancing cavity prevention with minimizing fluoride ingestion is the idea here. For children aged 3–6, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste provides enough topical fluoride to help remineralize enamel during brushing, while keeping the amount swallowed to a safe minimum. The rice-grain size is recommended for younger kids who are more likely to swallow toothpaste, and a two-pea-sized amount or a full smear would significantly increase fluoride ingestion without extra protective benefit in this age group. Supervise brushing and use age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste (usually around 1000 ppm) to maximize safety and effectiveness.