Video

How Much Toothpaste?

Children under three need just a tiny smear of toothpaste on their brush; older children should use a pea size amount of toothpaste.

  • Together with children, watch goofy Dentist Grover as he learns about how much toothpaste to use. (Remember: “A tiny smear if under three, if older use the size of a pea!”)
  • Notice how the Molar Muppet gets tickled by the brush. Ask, “Do your teeth feel tickly when you brush? How about your gums?”
  • Grover used minty toothpaste. What flavor is children’s favorite?
  • Grover wanted to use a huge tube of toothpaste, and children aren’t too different—they tend to want to put lots of toothpaste on their brushes! Point out how Grover learns how small an amount they really need.