Spit Happens, and There's a Science to It!

Posted on 5/1/2025 by NC Pediatric Dentisty

A dentist examining a young girl's teeth while her mother offers support in a modern dental clinic.

Have you ever wondered why your child sometimes spits out toothpaste after brushing? It turns out there's a fascinating science behind this common occurrence. While spitting may seem like a simple reflex, it's actually a crucial part of maintaining good oral hygiene in young children.

Understanding the Stages of Swallowing

Before we delve into the science of spitting, let's understand how swallowing works. Swallowing is a complex process involving multiple stages:

1~	Oral Stage: This is the initial stage where the tongue pushes the food or liquid to the back of the mouth.
2~	Pharyngeal Stage: Once the food reaches the back of the throat, the soft palate rises to prevent it from entering the nasal cavity. The muscles of the pharynx contract to push the food down the esophagus.
3~	Esophageal Stage: Finally, the food travels through the esophagus and enters the stomach.

Why Children Spit Out Toothpaste

Most young children haven't fully mastered the art of swallowing. Their oral-motor skills are still developing, and coordinating the complex movements involved in swallowing can be challenging. This is especially true when there's a new taste or texture in their mouth, like toothpaste.

Here are some key reasons why children spit out toothpaste:

1. Taste: Toothpaste can have a strong, minty flavor that some children find overwhelming.

2. Texture: The texture of toothpaste can also be unfamiliar and unpleasant for some children, especially if they are used to swallowing food with smooth textures.

3. Lack of Coordination: As mentioned earlier, young children are still developing their oral-motor skills. They may not be able to coordinate the tongue, throat, and palate muscles effectively to swallow toothpaste without gagging or choking.

4. Overproduction of Saliva: Toothpaste can stimulate saliva production, making it difficult for some children to swallow everything at once.

The Importance of Spitting

While it might seem messy, spitting out toothpaste is actually beneficial for young children. It helps them:

1. Avoid Overexposure to Fluoride: While fluoride is crucial for oral health, excessive intake can lead to fluorosis, which can cause discoloration of the teeth. By spitting out some toothpaste, children reduce their fluoride intake.

2. Maintain a Clean Mouth: Spitting out toothpaste helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from the mouth. This helps prevent cavities and other dental problems.

3. Develop Oral Motor Skills: The act of spitting can help improve coordination and muscle control in the mouth and throat. This can improve swallowing skills over time.

Tips to Help Children Swallow Toothpaste

If you're concerned about your child spitting out toothpaste, here are some tips that may help:

1. Start with a Small Amount: Begin with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and gradually increase it as your child becomes more comfortable.

2. Choose a Flavor They Like: Many children prefer the taste of bubble gum or fruit-flavored toothpaste.

3. Practice with Water: Encourage your child to practice swallowing water before introducing toothpaste.

4. Encourage Spitting After Each Brush: Remind your child to spit out the excess toothpaste after brushing.

5. Be Patient and Positive: It takes time and practice for children to master swallowing toothpaste. Be patient and positive with your child.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, occasional spitting is normal and not a cause for concern. However, if your child consistently spits out toothpaste and has difficulty swallowing other things, it's important to consult a dentist or pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues.

Conclusion

Spitting out toothpaste is a common and normal phenomenon in young children. By understanding the science behind it, you can help your child develop good oral hygiene habits while keeping their fluoride intake and oral health in check. Remember, patience and encouragement are key!

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Spit Happens, and There's a Science to It!

Understanding the Stages of Swallowing

Why Children Spit Out Toothpaste

The Importance of Spitting

Tips to Help Children Swallow Toothpaste

When to See a Doctor

Conclusion

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